CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The sky was painted with purple and pink balloons on Tuesday evening in remembrance of Michelle Shade Lazu. It has been a year since her death.

On March 15, 2021, Shade was hit and killed in a wreck on the US 41A Bypass. Police said it was a DUI wreck; the driver remains out on bond awaiting trial.

Ann Lazu, Shadé’s mother, organized a balloon release on the anniversary. As a member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D), she expressed her desire for justice in Shadé’s death.

“I’ve lived this whole year in a fog,” Ann told Clarksville Now.

Shadé’s legacy

Leiliana Lazu-Crider, Shadé’s sister, recently became a mother herself and said in a speech before the balloon release that Shadé taught her how to be a mom.

“Shadé wasn’t just anybody; she was another mother figure to me. She was the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and not having her here sucks,” Leiliana said through tears.

Her other sister, Jewels Lazu-Crider shared the same sentiment.

“She made me become a better mother to my kids, and to everyone. I really do miss her, I love her,” Jewels said.

Jessica Rasekh, a childhood friend of Shadé’s, told Clarksville Now that everything she is now is thanks to Shadé.

“When I first came to America from Germany, she saw me just walking down the street and adopted me into her family, and before I knew it, we were best friends,” Rasekh said.

“She taught me how to dance,” Rasekh continued. “She just really opened my world to different things. … All of the music I love now are from the things she showed me from her mom’s burnt CDs.”

As the ceremony ended, the sun set on Shadé’s favorite colors, and her family smiled at the sky.