STOW, Ohio (WOIO) – The parents of Megan Keleman, who was killed in August continue to honor their daughter’s memory with a new website to raise funds for scholarships and charities.
In January, Nick and Kelly Keleman launched Megan’s Rainbow of Hope to honor their daughter’s legacy with scholarships for Cleveland State University and The Six District Educational Compact.
Nick and Kelly said Megan was someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand, and they wanted to honor her by doing the same.
“Both of my kids flourished in that program, so they already do a scholarship, but we are adding another scholarship to that program,” Nick said of The Six District Educational Compact program.
The website shared the statement below:
On August 14, 2024, the life of Megan Keleman was unexpectedly cut short. Megan was just starting her life and professional journey. She was wide eyed and full of hope striving to have a positive impact on the world we live in. Megan helped those who needed help and spoke up for those who could not or were afraid to speak up.
Nick and Kelly told 19 News in September that they had been numb ever since the night of Aug. 14.
That is the night their daughter was tragically shot and killed.
“She was a kind hearted caring person. She was always willing to do anything for anybody,” said Nick.
Nick says Megan just graduated with her master’s degree from Cleveland State University in May.
She also worked part-time with children at a mental health facility called Shelter Care.
“She was an advocate for making this place a better world and I think she was on the road to do that and it is sad that that got cut short,” said Nick.
Around 7 p.m. Megan was going to pick up dinner for her and her father.
Normally, the two would go together, however, that night Megan went to the drive-thru with her dog Penny.
“Penny was her baby. She would go everywhere with Megan for little drives,” said Nick. “This particular night she was going to take Penny with her. I said, I am not sitting in the back seat, so that is the regret I have. If I would have went with her, maybe that extra few minutes would have made a difference.”
While Megan was in the drive-thru, her car was rear-ended by the driver behind her.
Scared for her life, she called her dad for help.
“The last thing you hear on the telephone is your daughter screaming, ‘He is out of the car’ and then I hear a pop,” said Nick.
The driver, who was later identified as Jason Williams, shot and killed Megan and then killed himself.
“I am yelling through the phone, ‘Megan! Megan talk to me,’” said Nick.
The Kelemans say that night their world turned upside down.
“Everyday, everyday it is hard to get up in the morning and you miss her so much,” said Kelly, Megan’s Mom.
They also say they want to advocate for more mental health resources.
“Someone who didn’t have the help that they needed, that should of had the help, took not only my daughters life, but took his own life,” said Nick.
They say they are also working with local politicians to hopefully make a change.
“There are other issues out there underlying the cause of what has happened. Not only to my family. It has happened to families prior to us. This shook a community,” said Nick.
The Kelemans say they want to see stricter gun laws and background checks.
“Talk to your senators, talk to your state representatives, talk to your governor, talk to people who can make a difference. Let them know enough is enough with this,” said Nick.
In September, the Kelemans supported a voluntary gun return at Harmony Springs Christian Church.
The goal is to get more guns off the street.
The website also supports Shelter Care, Rubber City Rescue, Girls On The Run and Guns to Gardens.
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