Community pays tribute to life of Natalie Insley

insley was tragically killed in a car accident. since then – the community has been keeping her spirit alive — remembering her in a number of ways — including today. 47 abc’s michelle mackonochie joins us in the studio now with more – hey michelle. hey david — it’s safe to say that natalie insley was truly loved in her community. earlier today the mardela girls soccer team hosted bennett. but today was so much more than a soccer game. each team member painted their faces with both teams colors to symbolize their love and recognition of natalie’s life. take a look. “she had a special relationship with everyone – she loved everyone in their own different way.” track 1 alyssa dunning is talking about her cousin natalie insley — killed in a car crash on sharptown road in early august. “she was like my best friend all the time we were everywhere together so it was really special to have her around – she would’ve loved to be here right now.” track 2 a soccer match between mardela — where natalie went — and rival bennett. players from both teams paying tribute — carrying aqua colored balloons onto the field and releasing them in honor of natalie — who loved that color. “i’m out here just doing it for her just having fun so today means a lot for bennett to be here that was like her home school.” track 3 rachael fritts is a senior at bennett and says insley was a bright person who made everyone happy. when asked how natalie might feel about today — “i think she would be really happy to see two schools that both miss her.” track 4 bennett girls soccer coach ed o’leary says the competitive history between the schools is nothing compared to the importance of the tribute. “we put aside the rivalry for one day.” “we all live in this community and its our community – even if we have different high schools – it’s irrelevant – we need to heal together.” “it’s definitely been a hard process but it’s definitely been one of the most encouraging experiences with all of us coming together and definitely just being there for each other.” track 5 mariah sterrertt is a senior at mardella – she says natalie was one of her best friends. “her sense of humor was definitely the best thing about her.” “the whole community has just been over pouring with support and i just feel like there couldn’t be a better way to honor her and bring the school and community together.” track 6 bennett may have won the match but if you ask mardela soccer coach catie krygeris… “this was bigger than a soccer game today and i think they all knew that in their hearts and the way they played.” track 7 to end the tribute – dunning spoke about her cousin before an enormous crowd. “i ask that everyone walks away with one thing that i say – don’t forget her don’t be afraid about the tough times and remember to keep her legacy alive every day – she really is a good luck charm – stay natalie strong.” 17-year old mardela basketball player — tyler ennis was also seriously injured in the car crash — and 47 abc reached out to an althletic director at mardela who says tyler is doing well and can now walk with the assistance of a walker. david– back to you. delaware state university — has been ranked fourteenth in the country — on the list of top historically black colleges and universities — or h-b-c-u’s.