‘So much life in front of them:’ Goodwine’s granddaughter, great-granddaughter die in crash

The granddaughter and infant great-granddaughter of a Central Kentucky Court of Appeals Judge Pamela Goodwine died in a car accident in Michigan Tuesday, Goodwine shared on social media late Tuesday.

Journee Padgett was 19, and her infant daughter Alanee Grace was born earlier this year.

Goodwine mourned their passing in a post to Facebook.

“I can hardly believe they’re gone,” she wrote. “Our whole family is absolutely heartbroken and devastated. 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.

“Please hold our family in prayer as we try to navigate this incredible pain, grief and loss, and hold your loved ones close. I miss these sweet angels more than words can say and will carry them in my heart forever.”

A family friend recently set up a GoFundMe page for Padgett and her daughter’s funerals.

Goodwine, who has served on the bench for 25 years including stints on Fayette Circuit and Fayette District Courts as well as her current post, is in the midst of a closely-watched campaign for Kentucky Supreme Court. She and her campaign have canceled planned events in the near-term due to the tragic circumstances.

Goodwine’s opponent, Lexington attorney Erin Izzo, offered her condolences on social media.

“Mark and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Judge Pamela Goodwine, her husband Lee, and their family upon the heartbreaking passing of their granddaughter and great-granddaughter in a tragic car accident. In moments such as these, our human bonds transcend politics and campaigns. Please join us in keeping them and their loved ones in prayer.”

Goodwine and Izzo are running to replace outgoing Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Laurance VanMeter.