ST. LOUIS — Family members say Latricia Robinson was outgoing, friendly, loved taking pictures and loved people.
"My daughter, she was a character. She enjoys life. She'd make you laugh when she was sad. She was just a beautiful person and could light up any room," said Patricia Robinson, Latricia Robinson's mother.
Robinson's loved ones cannot believe their "light" is tragically gone.
They said around 2 a.m. Friday, Latricia was on her way to work at the Coca-Cola plant in St. Charles County. Terrible news quickly spread.
"My oldest granddaughter said she got an alert on her phone saying her mom was in a car crash," said Patricia Robinson.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol said a woman was driving the wrong way in the westbound lanes on Interstate 70, when her Chevrolet crashed into the driver's side of Robinson's car near Jennings Station Road in north St. Louis County.
Robinson died at the scene.
"I never expected those troopers to come and tell me that my daughter was gone. It's just hard on us," added the Robinson's mom.
Latricia Robinson was 32 years old.
She had a 12-year-old son and two daughters, ages 8 and 15.
Patricia Robinson can't believe she must now bury her only child.
"We talked just about every day. She loved her job and her co-workers loved her. Latricia was a hard worker. Many of her co-workers have called me and given me their condolences. I'm just lost without her," Robinson said.
Relatives said after she got off work Friday, Latricia had hoped to finalize paperwork on a new home.
They said she was excited about marking a new beginning for her and her children.
"Her dreams were cut short. It's just devastation for our family, you know. It's a true tragedy," said Rose Robinson, the woman's aunt.
Investigators say the other driver, a 27-year-old woman from Madison, Illinois, suffered serious injuries.
Police arrested her on suspicious of driving while intoxicated, but she has not been charged yet.
"I want her prosecuted to the fullest for taking my baby's life because I don't have my baby anymore," added Patricia Robinson.
As of Friday night, the suspect was still in the hospital.
Investigators say neither driver wore a seatbelt at the time of the crash.