PENNFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — It's been less than a week since two Pennfield High School students were killed in a car crash in Calhoun County. Sunday evening, the community mourned the loss of Kaleigh Woodman, 16, and Sabrina Almarez,17, who were killed after their car hit a tree on East Avenue north of Battle Creek Thursday afternoon.
Despite Sunday's rain, hundreds gathered for a candle light vigil to keep their memories alive. Organizers told FOX 17 the vigil was supposed to be held at Pennfield High's entrance, but because so many people showed up, it was moved to the high school football stadium instead.
People sang, prayed and cried in the students' memory.
"I've cried every day for at least two hours since it happened, maybe not for people to see, but I’ve done it," said Kylie Carver, a friend of the two girls. "Something like this is definitely going to change our community forever."
FOX 17 also spoke with Samantha Lahusky, who said she was driving behind the two girls as tragedy unfolded right before her eyes.
"It's all really a blur right now," Lahusky said. "I just knew I had to get help as soon as I could, and that if I had any chance of helping them, I had to remain calm and get everyone I could to get on the phone to help them."
Luhusky was not injured in the crash, but both Woodman and Almarez died on scene.
Almarez was in choir, Woodman was on the varsity cheer leading team.
Both of them, high school juniors, were described as funny, outgoing and smart.
"They were both beautiful, smart people who were always there for you when you needed them," Lahusky said. "I think we'll all remember their contagious laughs."
"I remember every day walking into choir, seeing her smile, saying, 'Morning Sabrina,' and she'd smile right back at me," Carver said.
The Almarez funeral will be held at Dexter Lake Church on Dec. 18 at 1 p.m., and Woodman's will be held at Calvary Baptist Church Dec. 16 at 11 a.m.
Police are still investigating this crash but told FOX 17 they believed speed was a factor.
