‘She’s just absolutely crushed their lives were cut so short’; Judge Pamela Goodwine loses granddaughter and great-granddaughter in crash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Central Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Pamela Goodwine and her family are grieving a tremendous loss.

"Judge Goodwine, her husband Lee and their entire family are absolutely devastated by this loss," said friend Julie Lynn Steele.

Judge Goodwine's 19-year-old granddaughter Journee Padgett and her infant daughter Alanee Grace were killed in a car crash in Michigan. Judge Goodwine's friend Julie Lynn Steele said the heartbreak her family is going through right now is just incomprehensible.

"That's probably the thing that is the most painful for the judge, that Journee's life was cut short. She won't be able to achieve the dreams that she had."

Judge Goodwine posted a touching tribute on Facebook. She said, "They had so much life in front of them and the love and joy they brought into our family and the world will never be forgotten. Our granddaughter's kind heart and strength inspired everyone who knew her and her sweet baby daughter's smiles and giggles were pure joy."

"She had an opportunity when her granddaughter Journee was younger, for Journee to come and see her in the courtroom. That was a really special experience for them both."

A family friend of Padgett's started a GoFundMe for her and her daughter's funerals. Steele said Judge Goodwine has been overwhelmed by the amount of people offering their condolences and prayers.

"The love and support that has been shared after this tragedy is absolutely amazing. Just a testament to the incredible person she is and all that she does for this community," Steele said.