MINNEAPOLIS — "What an incredible life story. At age 24, she has accomplished so much," said Kermit Miller, speaking about his daughter, Ebony, from their home in the Bahamas.
"I was so proud of her," he said. "We come from a small island nation and she had to overcome so many obstacles just to get into the U.S."
Ebony came to the U.S. to continue her education. "The most brilliant person I know in my lifetime. Her mind was extraordinary."
Her life dream was to go to medical school and become a doctor.
"Before her passing, she was a scientist working at the University of Minnesota in the pancreatic research department," he said.
But sadly, Miller says his daughter's life was cut short after her car was hit by another vehicle near the intersection of 10th Avenue Southeast and University Avenue in the early morning hours of Nov. 18.
"She was coming home from her second job when she was struck and killed," he said. "My world collapsed. My child... I know that she was so careful, such a careful driver, and it broke me."
The Center for Immunology at U of M posted a tribute to Ebony online saying, "Ebony was a wonderful soul who brought light to all who knew her."
As her father thinks about her life of overcoming obstacles and what would have been "a dream" come true.
"She was accepted as a medical student at Howard University and was supposed to enroll in March of next year," he said.
He's holding onto his family's support and the long-lasting impact his daughter now leaves behind.
"Love your kids, families — all that you have in this life," he said. "I don't know the reason for Ebony's death, but I hope it serves a purpose at the end of the day."
The University of Minnesota Medical School provided this statement to KARE 11:
"We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ebony Miller, a researcher at the U of M Medical School who worked to advance the understanding of cancer immunology and immunotherapy. We share our condolences with Ebony’s family, friends and others in the University community who are grieving."
One man involved in the crash was taken to the hospital. Minneapolis police said impaired driving may have been a factor.
A GoFundMe has been started to support the family.
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