Tragedy as girl, 18, dies in crash days after posting video about never having an accident
Friends and family of the teen said she is remembered for her smile and kindness.
Florida: Teenage student killed in traffic collision
A teenager was killed just days after posting a TikTok video describing how she had never been in a car crash. Kara Santorelli, 18, was driving down a highway in the US when a car ploughed into her vehicle in a head-on collision.
A Chevrolet sedan driving the wrong way down Highway 29 in Escambia County, Florida, smashed into Santorelli's Nissan SUV, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
The TikToker, from the small town of Molino, died in the car along with a passenger who has yet to be identified. The pair were trapped in the vehicle.
The crash happened on March 17, just six days after Kara posted a video to her 44,000 followers saying she had never been involved in an accident.
The video has now gone viral with over 15 million views.
While sitting at the steering wheel of her car, Kara said: "When they try call me a bad driver but I’ve never hit a person or an actual car.”
According to her obituary, she was an active TikToker and often posted videos with her friends.
She also enjoyed spending time on the beach and sailing with her family.
Gina Southard, Kara's aunt, said the family is heartbroken following, writing on Facebook: “A little piece of my heart died today when I found out my niece went to heaven. I love your beautiful soul Kara!”
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Mum McLaughlin also wrote in a series of posts: “I love you Kara. God blessed me with you.”
The teen's school, Northview High School, posted a statement following her tragic death.
It said: "We hold tight to beautiful memories that she had left with us. Her beautiful smile and kind spirit will continue to be in the hearts of her friends and classmates."
Kara's work colleague remembered the "smile" she "put on everyone's faces".
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He wrote on Facebook: "If you didn’t know Kara you missed out on knowing a very special person and it’s a void in our hearts.
“We will always remember you and know that you can put a smile on everyone’s face even through the rough times!”
A memorial event for the young girl was held on Saturday at Pensacola Beach.
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