Caitlyn Carman, or Cat as her friends called her, captured the hearts of everyone she met with her passion for life and genuine, goofy spirit. Her love for life and others was radiated to everyone she met. Caitlyn loved to make others laugh and was always ready with a funny dance move or comical gesture. Caitlyn's quirky life and loving persona was unmatched, and we all are forever changed by having been blessed with Caitlyn in our lives.
Caitlyn was a dedicated cheerleader in Dakota Spirit for 13 years. She loved cheer, but more so, the opportunities it provided to turn friends into a forever family. Caitlyn graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2016, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Math Club, Dance team, and dedicated Rider Cheerleader where she was honored to compete for back-to-back State Championships. Caitlyn was currently a sophomore at the University of South Dakota where she was pursuing a degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. Caitlyn aspired to be a Special Education teacher where she could encourage and motivate students to live their best life. At USD, she was on the Dean's List, a Coyote Cheerleader, active member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority, and the Strollers community. Caitlyn loved children and always knew she wanted to be a teacher. She couldn't wait to be a teacher and mother. Right before the accident, Caitlyn was admitted into the exchange program to study education at California State Monterey Bay. She was looking forward to the opportunity to study in the warm weather.
On March 8, 2018, Caitlyn was tragically killed in a car accident. She was home from college on spring break and surprised her younger brother by picking him up from school and taking him out for an afternoon filled with fun. As they traveled home in time for supper, they were struck from behind by a distracted driver going 63mph and pushed into the path of an oncoming semi-truck, killing her instantly.
Caitlyn had a personal relationship with her Lord and Savior and was welcomed into the arms of Jesus and her Dad on that tragic day. She lived out her life with unconditional faith in God, no matter the challenges life handed her. Through her faith and God's grace, she will live eternally at the side of her Lord. "I have called you by name, you are mine" Isaiah 43:1. Her truly kind, genuine, and loving soul was taken from us way too soon.
