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GASTONIA, NC – A local high school is making plans to honor a senior killed in a crash just days before graduation.
The flag is at half-staff, and the rock outside Highland School of Technology in Gastonia is spray- painted in memory of Arielle Reid.
Reid’s young life came to a tragic end six days after her 18th birthday and six days before graduation.
The Gaston County teen died when her father ran off the road coming home from a ceremony at school.
The accident happened Sunday night on Lowland Dairy Road, just north of Mount Holly.
Troopers say the car, driven by Arielle’s father, drove off the road, hit a tree and then the car flipped on its side. Investigators are still trying to find out what caused the crash.
WCCB is told charges are pending against Arielle Reid’s father.
As investigators work to find out what caused the crash, classmates at Highland School of Technology are remembering Arielle, a girl known for her school spirit.
“There’s a heavy weight on the school and on people’s faces,” said Caleb Tucker, a sophomore at Highland School of Technology.
Tuker is a friend and long-time neighbor of Arielle.
“I was just upset. It will always stick with you and you’ll always have that memory of who she was and what type of person she was,” said Tuker.
Arielle, also known as the “Sneaker Queen”, posted pictures of her college acceptance letters on her Twitter page. She planned to attend NC State in the fall.
“She was very well liked, she was involved in school in various activities, she had a very promising career ahead of her,” said Denise McLean, principal of Highland School of Technology.
McLean says the school will honor Arielle Saturday.
“During graduation, we will certainly have a seat in memory of our student,” said McLean.
Arielle’s 6-year-old brother was also in the car, in a car seat. He and their father suffered minor injuries.
Tuesday, the Highway Patrol will download vehicle computer and cell phone records from the time of the crash.
