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Middleburg teacher killed in accident after Disney vacation

Local students mourn a teacher killed on her way back from her favorite place. Melanie Blodgett was killed returning from Walt Disney World with her husband, Les, on Saturday.

Some call it the happiest place on earth. And for Blodgett, it was.

“She’s crazy about Disney. Her favorite place to go, her favorite place to be,” said Ashley Morin, a student at Middleburg High School.

The couple spent the day at Disney World on Saturday, just hours before she died. As they were coming home from Orlando, the couple was hit by a car.

“She was one of the best teachers at Middleburg High School,” said Jordan Morris, another student at Middleburg High School.

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Students saluted her with what they wore Monday, as Mickey and Pumbaa were visible everywhere you looked. And that was her other favorite place, Middleburg High School.
"She was just a really, really special teacher. She wasn't a teacher, she was a friend," said Morin.

“Her payment in life was impacting children and helping them, watching them go and help other people,” said John Padgett, Melanie’s brother who said he is thankful for the time he had with his sister and thankful she spent her last day on earth doing what she loved.

“I’m so glad that I got to tell her that I love her. I didn’t know that it would be for the last time, but you know I have no regrets, and I’m so glad that for whatever reason we were able to have that moment,” he said.

“She made a huge impact in my life,” said Morin.

If you would like to help the family with funeral costs, visit the family's

page.