VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- "She lights up a room. Just her personality and who she is," said Samantha Brophy. Brophy and her best friend, Maylea Beasley, were in their freshman year at James Madison University when tragedy struck nearly five years ago. Brophy said she and Maylea were crossing the street when a motorcyclist hit Maylea on the road. Both she and the motorcyclist died. 18-year-old JMU student from Virginia Beach dies after being struck by motorcycle in Harrisonburg Maylea was just 18 years old. She was a Virginia Beach native and graduate of First Colonial High School. She was known for her kindness, athleticism and dedication to serving others. "She was outgoing, very loyal, and just the best person I've ever met," said Brophy about her best friend. Maylea was just starting out her life. Katrina, her sister, said she'd just spoken with her about what she'd planned to major in before the accident happened. "My sister was friends with everyone," Katrina told 10 On Your Side. "She had no enemies, and she just was somebody who would fill other people's cups." Even after her passing, her family continues to carry the torch of caring for others in her honor. On Saturday, they lined up to run Maylea's 5k Run/Walk/Jog on Shore Drive in Virginia Beach to raise money to support others. Community to honor Maylea Beasley with 5K run in Virginia Beach "This is in honor of my daughter, who was a shining star," said Shari Rudorsdorf Beasley, Maylea's mother. "She loved life, and she loved to help the community so that's why we started the nonprofit Maylea's Purple Turtle, because she loved the color purple, and she loved sea turtles." Through Maylea, her family found passion and comfort in supporting other kids. A scholarship was created in her honor, and they've even worked with The Boys and Girls Club of America. Maylea’s 5K Fun Run/Walk kicked off at Baylake United Methodist Church. The event celebrates Beasley’s vibrant spirit while raising funds for scholarships benefiting First Colonial High School volleyball players and Girl Scouts Colonial Coast Council Gold Awardees – two causes that were close to her heart. "It definitely helps the soul," Shari explained. "It helps the healing process, and it gives you something to focus on. And I don't want her to be forgotten. So, it's my way of letting her light shine." Letting her light shine while putting the spotlight on a good cause is something Maylea's friends and family plan to continue doing in her memory. "She was the most amazing person I've ever met," said Brophy. "I know she would have made such a big impact in my life, and I'm glad that we can help her show how amazing she is, and everyone here loves her and to never lose their love for her. We're so grateful for this community and we're very honored to be able to do this." ...read more read less