Family and friends from Polk County to Spartanburg, S.C. are mourning the death of 22-year-old Alexandra Dorothy Lexi Le Vine this week.

Le Vine, a 2006 Polk County High School graduate who was a senior at the University of South Carolina Upstate, was killed early Saturday morning in a one-vehicle crash.

Spartanburg County Coroner Investigator Teri Carter said Le Vine died as a result of injuries she sustained in the collision. S.C. Highway Patrol troopers say the accident occurred around 4:05 a.m. on I-26 West, about 15 miles north of Spartanburg. Le Vine was driving a 2007 Audi when she went off the right side of the interstate and struck trees.

Le Vine, a senior psychology major at USC Upstate, was reportedly on her way home to Tryon after spending time with friends Friday evening.

Le Vine was the daughter of Elena Le Vine of Tryon. Elena Le Vine told USC Upstate officials that authorities indicate her daughter fell asleep at the wheel.

Friends describe Le Vine as a good friend who was committed to helping others. Facebook posts include from her friends that the University lost a shining star, an amazing person, who always had a smile on her face.

Le Vine was born in Evanston, Ill., and lived there with her parents until moving to Tryon when Le Vine was 12. When she was 13, her father was diagnosed with a brain tumor and died. Family members say Le Vine wanted to use her pyschology degree to work in counseling and with hurt and abused children as she was committed to turning her own personal tragedy of losing her father into help for others.

While in Tryon, Le Vine developed a love for horses and riding. She became a winning dressage rider and loved animals, friends and family say.

Le Vine was on the homecoming court at Polk County High School all four years she attended the school.

While attending USC Upstate, Le Vine worked at the Outback Steakhouse in Spartanburg for years before recently starting a new job at the Carolina Cafe in Gaffney, S.C.

Investigators say Le Vine was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. The investigation into the cause of the accident is continuing with further examinations and toxicology testing.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, October 2, 2010 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel in Tryon. Family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2 p.m. just prior to the service.