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A Startling Discovery
As officers conducted their investigation, they made a discovery that added a painful layer to the tragedy: the teen was found holding her mobile phone at the time of the crash. Authorities believe distracted driving may have played a role, though the investigation remains ongoing.
“This is the kind of scene that stays with you,” one officer said. “It’s a reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.”
A Life Cut Short
Friends and family described the teen as kind, energetic, and full of promise. A makeshift memorial has formed near the crash site, with flowers, handwritten notes, and candles honoring a life lost far too soon.
“She had plans, dreams, and a whole future ahead of her,” a family friend said. “It’s impossible to understand how this happened.”
The school district released a statement offering condolences and counseling services for students affected by the incident.
A Broader Warning
Safety advocates say the tragedy underscores the dangers of distracted driving, particularly among young drivers. According to traffic safety experts, even a momentary glance at a phone can have fatal consequences.
“Distraction doesn’t just affect the driver — it affects everyone around them,” a transportation safety official noted.
Local police are urging drivers of all ages to put phones away while behind the wheel, stressing that no message is worth a life.
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