MILFORD – A week ago today, Alisha Faye Zibolis posted one of her characteristically sunny, concise comments to her Facebook page, perhaps grinning at how the four words happened to rhyme with her username just above.

“Alisha Faye. ‘Excited for the day,’ ” was the extent of the entry that appeared right next to her profile photo, in which she wears a big hooded jacket and looks playfully at a small object in her hand.

Tragically, the cute little statement, posted at 11:05 a.m., would be Alisha’s last entry.

Less than four hours later, the 20-year-old Milford woman with the artistic streak and penchant for snowboarding was dead, succumbing to multiple injuries she sustained when her car was crushed in a collision with a tractor-trailer on Route 101 in front of the Irving Circle K station.

Alisha’s obituary appears on Page 18

The crash, reported at about 2:45 p.m. Thursday by several 911 callers, drew police, firefighters and rescuers from Milford and Wilton, who immediately set up equipment to free Zibolis and her passenger, 21-year-old Derek Mossey, from the wreckage of Zibolis’ 2002 Saturn.

Recognizing the severity of their injuries, incident commanders called for two medical helicopters as crews worked to free Zibolis and Mossey from the car, which they covered with a blue tarp.

Several minutes later, though, they canceled one of the helicopters, an ominous sign that foretold the unfortunate outcome. A state medical examiner later pronounced Zibolis dead at the scene.

Mossey was rushed to the other helicopter, which had landed nearby, and flown to a Massachusetts hospital.

Police Chief Fred Douglas said Tuesday he didn’t know which hospital Mossey was taken to, stating only that he believes Mossey is being treated for serious injuries.

Police did not release the name of the driver of the tractor-trailer unit, who was uninjured.

The rig is owned by Maine-based Shaw’s Supermarkets. The tractor, a 2002 Volvo, had heavy damage to its left side and ended up down the road from the scene of impact.

Douglas said the department’s Technical Accident Investigation Team continues to investigate the crash.

He couldn’t say what may have led to the crash, and as of presstime, there was no infoermation about whether Zibolis and Mossey were wearing seatbelts, if the crash may have been caused by driver error on the part of either operator, if either vehicle incurred a mechanical malfunction, if road or traffic conditions, or the possibility of sun glare, may have played a role in the crash or whether police had yet been able to interview Mossey for more information.

“There’s no information available. It’s all under investigation. There’s a lot of work to do,” was Douglas’ only response.

Monday afternoon, hundreds of mourners gathered at the Smith & Heald Funeral Home on Elm Street, arriving individually and in large groups throughout most of the afternoon. The calling hours were extended to seven hours, from 1-8 p.m., to accommodate most everyone who wished to visit.

A funeral mass held Tuesday at St. Patrick Church also drew a large number of mourners.

On Monday, many of Alisha’s contemporaries came to pay their respects, often forming small groups and braving the frigid air to swap hugs and memories before entering.

Inside, mourners viewed a couple of photo collages, showing Alisha at various ages with family members and friends.

Formal photos, including her Milford High School graduation picture from 2009, hung on the walls and were displayed on small easels.

Visitors who wished could choose a marker from a small table and etch a signature, message or symbol on Alisha’s casket.

Some ranged from little hearts to sentiments of “miss you” and “love you.”

Family members chose not to comment. One man, when approached by a funeral home official, requested the official ask a reporter to vacate the premises.

Dean Shalhoup can be reached at 673-3100, ext. 31, or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.