Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal has suggested a soon-to-be-constructed 41-mile pathway system in Grand Teton National Park be named for a girl who was struck and killed while biking in the park in 1999.

Gabriella Axelrad died after an automobile struck her as she was cycling on a guided tour near Jenny Lake on Teton Park Road in July 1999. She was 13 years old. Since, her family has played a key role in getting approval and funding for the pathway system.

Freudenthal made the request in a letter dated May 27 to Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott.

“I understand that you have now adopted a plan that calls for the creation of approximately 41 miles of ... pathway,” the governor wrote in his letter. “I strongly support that plan. Not only is it safer, and will hopefully prevent another horrible tragedy such as befell the Axelrad family, but in this day of declining gasoline supplies, increasing gas prices, and all of the other environmental and health issues facing us, it seems to me a good idea to do what we can to support and facilitate nonmechanized means of transportation in our parks.”

“The Axelrads have contacted me asking for my support for the idea that a portion of this new pathway might be named in memory of their daughter,” Freudenthal said. “They have suggested “Gabriella’s Trail” for this purpose. I certainly do support that suggestion, and respectfully request that you give it serious consideration.”

After the accident, Freudenthal, serving as U.S. attorney for Wyoming, played a role in prosecuting the driver who killed Axelrad.

Grand Teton spokeswoman Jackie Skaggs said Scott had not yet seen the letter.

In a statement, Scott said, “I have been in discussions with the Axelrad family concerning some appropriate form of recognition for Gabriella.”

The path system, expected to cost roughly $45 million, would include nine miles of paths from the park’s south boundary to Antelope Flats Road, 15 miles of path between North Jenny Lake and Colter Bay, 10 miles along Teton Park Road from Moose Junction to North Jenny Lake Junction, and three miles along Moose-Wilson Road from the Granite Canyon entrance station to the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve.