Friends and family of 16-year-old Diamond Finley gathered Wednesday to celebrate the life of the Duncanville High School sophomore at a candlelight vigil.
Among the more than 100 people who attended was Diamond’s mom, Crystal Jones.
"Dear God," she said as she started to lead the group prayer. "I just want to take this time to say that I know that Diamond is there with you. Her smile, her joy, everything we loved about Diamond. Let them live on in our memory."
Authorities said a passenger in the car said the driver was speeding just before crashing into a tree, but that they do not believe alcohol or drugs were a factor.
"Life is a precious thing and it can be taken in the blink of an eye," said one student who attended the vigil.
"This is not no game," said another. "When you're gone, you're gone."
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"That's why we tell our kids, 'I love you. Be safe.' Because it may be the last time you can tell them that," said a family friend.
As of the vigil, funeral arrangements had not been made yet.