Two teens killed after prom when their car gets pinned underneath semi, AL reports say
Two teenagers are dead and two are hospitalized after the car they were in was pinned beneath a semi-truck after a high school prom, Alabama police say.
Tuscaloosa Police said the collision occurred just before 2 a.m. on Saturday, April 15. Four teenagers were trapped in a Tesla that became stuck beneath the truck’s trailer.
Madison Sims, 17, and Samuel Brown, 18, were pronounced dead at the scene, The Tuscaloosa News reported. Police could only confirm Brown’s identity when contacted by McClatchy News on April 17.
Two other teenagers in the car at the time of the wreck were taken to hospitals with injuries, police said. A 17-year-old girl was taken to DCH Regional Medical Center with minor injuries, according to police. She was in “good condition” as of Saturday morning.
The other passenger, an 18-year-old girl, was transported to UAB Hospital with serious injuries, police said. She is being treated for “serious and extensive injuries,” but officials said she is expected to survive.
Brown and Sims had attended the Paul W. Bryant High School prom together hours before the accident, according to AL.com.
Sims was a student at Paul W. Bryant High School in Cottondale and Brown was a student at Robert C. Hatch High School in Uniontown, according to a Facebook post from the Perry County School District. Grief counselors will be available for students on campus this week.
“We extend our most sincere condolences to the Brown and Sims family,” the district wrote. “We ask that you please keep everyone in your thoughts and prayers as we navigate the days ahead together.”
Paul W. Bryant High School shared social media tributes for Sims following the incident.
“Madison was a shining light to everyone she made contact with. Although she was quiet, her presence spoke volumes to her peers and adults alike. She will be missed dearly,” Malcolm Gross, who was Sims’ math teacher, said in a Facebook post from the school.
“Madison will always live in the hearts that she left behind,” Lydia Edwards, the school’s principal, said in the same post. “She was a sweet and quiet student in our building. Madison knew the power of having strong friendships, and she loved wholeheartedly all who entered her friend circle.”
Loved ones shared tributes for Brown on social media, too.
“To say we will miss him would be an understatement,” Robert C. Hatch High School wrote in a Facebook post.
“I’m really hurt it’s like I wish I could’ve saved y’all man,” Cyontai Lewis, head football coach at Robert C. Hatch High School, said in a Facebook post. “This man was the best (for real) not just an athlete a great person. ... I thank you for everything brother. I thank god for giving me the opportunity to be in your life.”
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