A UNC-Chapel Hill student killed in a car accident earlier this month is remembered by family and friends as someone who has always helped others.
Danielle Liotta, 19, a rising sophomore, ran through a stop sign on June 2 and collided with another car at the intersection of Rocky River and Doster roads in Union County.
According to the N.C. State Highway Patrol, the driver of the other vehicle, Linda Jones, 61, was injured.
Neither drugs, alcohol or speed were contributing factors said the State Highway Patrol
Elizabeth Liotta, Danielle's mother, said her daughter was on her way to drop off homework for a classmate at UNC-Charlotte, where she was taking summer classes.
"She was helping somebody again when she died," Elizabeth Liotta said.
Liotta said her daughter, a biology and chemistry major, was a part of the Marching Tar Heels and Mu Beta Psi music fraternity.
She added that Danielle also performed community service and earned her EMT license in Orange County.
"She's just done a lot in her little short life," Elizabeth Liotta said.
Friends at UNC-Chapel Hill remembered Danielle as an upbeat person who reached out to her fellow students.
"She used to have Bible study in her room," said Alyssa Leach, a rising sophomore music major and Danielle's friend.
Leach added that Danielle also cooked dinners for her hallmates.
"She was very sincere about everything that she did," Leach said.
Danielle's friend and roommate Jamie Powell, a rising sophomore biochemistry major, said she would miss everything about Liotta.
"Danielle was my best friend; we met in marching band the first day," she said. "She was really sweet. She was really outgoing."
Liotta's wake was held June 5, and her funeral was held June 6.
"It was a very nice memorial to her life and the people she touched, " said Jeff Fuchs, director of University Bands. "It was also very sad."
Elizabeth Liotta asked that instead of flowers, donations be made to Lake Norman High School Marching Band Boosters or the UNC Marching Tar Heels.
Elizabeth Liotta said she is "heartbroken" without her only child.
"She had an infectious smile, she loved life. She did everything with a passion," Elizabeth Liotta said. "I know she could have done great things."
Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.
The parents of Danielle Liotta ask for photographs of their daughter to be shared by sending them to: 106 Ivyridge Court Mooresville, NC 28117
