Teen Killed In Crash Days Before Graduation

Audrina Bigos,
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Β GASTONIA, NC – A local high school is making plans to honor a senior killed in a crash just days before graduation.

Β 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. Β 
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The Gaston County teen died when her father ran off the road coming home from a ceremony at school.
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The accident happened Sunday night on Lowland Dairy Road, just north of Mount Holly.
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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.
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WCCB is told charges are pending against Arielle Reid’s father.
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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.
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“There’s a heavy weight on the school and on people’s faces,” said Caleb Tucker, a sophomore at Highland School of Technology.
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Tuker is a friend and long-time neighbor of Arielle.
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β€œI 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. Β 
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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.Β 
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“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. Β 
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McLean says the school will honor Arielle Saturday.Β 
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β€œDuring graduation, we will certainly have a seat in memory of our student,” said McLean.Β 
Arielle’s 6-year-old brother was also in the car, in a car seat. He and their father suffered minor injuries.
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Tuesday, the Highway Patrol will download vehicle computer and cell phone records from the time of the crash.Β 

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