Friends and schoolmates gathered Monday at the tree where two talented teens were killed in a fatal prom night crash just before midnight on Saturday.
Their prom night started out happy: three couples taking pictures together.
Brendon Colliflower and Samantha Kelly posed for the picture above before heading to Williamsport High School's prom. Although the school is located in Hagerstown, Md., the prom was in Shepherdstown, W.V.
Colliflower was driving them after the prom back so they could change clothes when he apparently lost control of his car at a curve in the road and hit a tree.
"It appears that speed was a factor, and we're still waiting on a determination of possible other causes, but it appears it was speed," said Deputy Carly Hose of Washington County Sheriff's Office.
On Monday, police were directing traffic along the blinding curve on Rench Road to make sure that another tragedy wouldn't happen at the same tree where mourners have gathered.
Colliflower and Kelly were honor roll students at Williamsport.
Samantha Kelly was an All-State volleyball player, a team leader, and the #1 singles tennis player. Teammates have taken down the net on the court where she played her matches.
"Sam was one of the most kind-hearted, beautiful girls in our school," said friend Zachary Stains. "She always made everybody smile. She did everything she could."
Brendon Colliflower had just signed to play baseball at Salisbury University. He was an All-State pitcher and a strong hitter. Teammates from Williamsport and his American Legion teams came to the roadside memorial to pay their respects.
"I think just like any teen after prom, he was excited and accidents happen," said his friend Trevor Haupt. "It's very sad."
Family and friends found out about the fatal crash after Kelly failed to respond to more than 20 text messages, the last ones desperately asking, "Where are you?"
