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Jet Ski crash victim’s laugh ‘infectious’

Friends remember 29-year-old Miami University psychology major.

Source: Facebook Many of Laura Russell's Facebook friends changed their profile pictures to honor the 29-year-old Miami University Hamilton student who died Monday, July 29, in a Jet Ski accident on the Ohio River in Newport, Ky.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Dana Adams sings a song in memory of Laura Russell, the woman who died in a jet ski accident on the Ohio River Monday, at the Masters Touch Salon in Fairfield Twp. during a memorial service at the facility Wednesday July 21, 2010. Russell’s portrait, in the bottom left corner of this photograph, was on display at the facility during the ceremony.

Staff photo by Pat Auckerman Dana Adams sings a song in memory of Laura Russell, the woman who died in a jet ski accident on the Ohio River Monday, at the Masters Touch Salon in Fairfield Twp. during a memorial service at the facility Wednesday July 21, 2010. Russell’s portrait, in the bottom left corner of this photograph, was on display at the facility during the ceremony.

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By Michael D. Pitman, Staff Writer Updated 3:13 PM Thursday, July 22, 2010

FAIRFIELD — Hearing Laura Russell laugh would make you laugh, said friend Whitney Lawson.

Russell, 29, of Bent Tree Drive in Fairfield, died Monday, July 19, after being struck by a personal watercraft in the Ohio River.

“She was my best friend,” said Lawson, also of Fairfield, who met Russell in 2008 taking a theater class at Miami University Hamilton., where Russell was a sophomore majoring in psychology. “I can still hear her laughter. Her laughter was the most infectious thing.”

Lawson had plans to meet Russell on Tuesday for lunch, and she last saw her Thursday when Russell cut her hair at Masters Touch Salon in Fairfield Twp.

She leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter, Geneva Russell. “When my mom died, I expected it,” said Lawson, whose mother died of breast cancer. “She dropped her off at (her partner's house) thinking she’ll pick her up ... and (her daughter) won’t get to see her again.”

Russell and Nicole Jackson, 31, of Cincinnati, were riding Jet Skis on the Ohio River, leaving from the Beer Sellar Dock in Newport. Around 5 p.m., Russell, who was in the lead, suddenly made a 180-degree turn and stopped, according to Mark Marraccini of the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, which is investigating the accident. Jackson let up on the throttle but could not avoid striking her, he said. Both women were thrown from their watercrafts, but Jackson was uninjured. No charges will be filed.

Campbell County Deputy Coroner Al Garnick said a Tuesday autopsy revealed Russell died on impact, suffering chest and abdomen trauma.

Russell was about to change from a part-time to a full-time employee at Masters Touch Salon, said owner Deya Masters. “She was a shoulder to cry on and had good advice,” Masters said. “We’re a sisterhood (at the salon) and everyone is in shock.”

Russell previously worked at Pagoda of Hair Design in Middletown, where owner Tammy Lowman said Russell quit a few years ago to go back to school.

“She was beautiful inside and out,” said her former boss. “It makes you so sad to know the world is without her.”

Arrangements

A visitation for Laura Russell is 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 23, at Avance Funeral Home, 4976 Winton Road, Fairfield. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Fairfield West Baptist Church, 5345 Muskopf Road.

Contributions may be made to the Laura Russell Memorial Fund c/o U.S. Bank. Masters Touch Salon established the Laura Russell Memorial Fund c/o Fifth Third Bank. Both funds will benefit Russell’s 11-year-old daughter.