Heartbroken mother makes desperate plea for help after her college student daughter, 18, is killed in a freak accident when a loose truck tire flew over the median and smashed through her windshield but driver disappeared

A heartbroken mother has appealed for information after her 18-year-old daughter, was killed when a tire came loose from a passing truck, flew over the median and crashed through her windshield.

College student Lauren Collins' windshield was struck as she was driving on Interstate 75 in Kentucky near the Ohio border just after midnight Sunday.

While the teenager was traveling southbound, a truck driving northbound lost its tire which then went over the central reservation, the Boone County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

The driver of the truck, which investigators believe was possibly a dually pickup, disappeared after the horrific incident, despite losing a tire.

Lauren's mom, Amy Marsh, has appealed for witnesses and begged anyone with information which could identify the truck to come forward.

College student Lauren Collins' windshield was struck as she was driving on Interstate 75 in Kentucky near the Ohio border just after midnight Sunday

Amy also shared a heart-wrenching tribute to her daughter on social media saying she has been 'shattered into a million pieces' by her daughter's loss.

'I never thought I would ever in a million years write these words… I am heartbroken and shattered into a million pieces. 

'My baby girl is gone, Lauren passed away in a car accident last night. Please pray for our family. 

'To those who have reached out I am eternally grateful your kindness and blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. I will post arrangements once they are scheduled.'

Lauren had been driving a 2012 Buick LaCrosse when the tire bounced over the interstate's concrete median.

More tributes have poured in for the popular student, who was from Independence, KY, with family, friends and college mates sharing their memories of her.

Lauren's mom, Amy Marsh, appealed for witnesses and begged anyone with information which could identify the truck to come forward

The teenager was said to have had a 'vivacious personality' and was 'known for her style and ability to light up a room'.

She was a full-time student, majoring in Fashion Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, according to her obituary.

She was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority at the university, and described as a 'free spirit' and a 'jokester'.

Lauren's cousin wrote on Facebook: 'I am blessed to of [sic] known you Lauren Collins and most grateful to have our families come together. 

'I will treasure our times together and mostly our private ones. Fly high you beautiful soul, heaven is definitely gaining a precious angel today.'