Michaela Woodson was a 16-year-old from Cumberland, VA. ^[3]

Michaela grew up in Cumberland and attended Cumberland High School where she excelled in academics. ^[4]She is a genetic mix of African american and Caucasian heritage. An athlete, Michaela participated on her school's softball and cheerleading squads. ^[4]

Outside of school, she worked as a barista at Starbucks. Michaela was in a relationship with her boyfriend. She was known as "Mickey" by her friends. ^[5]Michaela had a passion for makeup and in her free time enjoyed hanging out with friends. She is remembered for her contagious smile, her beauty, and for her kindness towards others. ^[3]

On the morning of April 26th, Michaela and her sister, Tyauna, were on their way to school on Bonbrook Road when their vehicle ran off the road and fell into the Willis River. Due to the recent heavy rains, their car was quickly submerged in the water and no one realized that they were missing until they did not show up to class. Later in the afternoon, their vehicle was recovered from the river where they were both pronounced dead. ^[4]