Tragically, two Alabama teens were killed in a fatal car crash while leaving their high school prom at Paul W. Bryant High School. The couple, 18-year-old Samuel Brown and 17-year-old Madison Sims, were killed when their Tesla struck a semi-truck on the morning of April 15. The Tuscaloosa crash has left the community grieving around them.
According to the local Patch report, in addition to Brown and Sims, two other teenagers were in the car when the Tesla malfunctioned and left them trapped underneath the semi truck’s trailer. Tuscaloosa authorities stated that the incident occurred around 2 AM near Skyland Boulevard East and Interstate 20/59.
The prom couple was identified as sitting in the front seat with Sims behind the wheel and the other two unnamed victims in the back seat. Sims and Brown were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were left with varying degrees of injury following the crash.
According to grieving messages posted to social media, Sims and Brown were attending prom together the night of the collision.
REST IN PEACE BABIES? Madison & Samuel passed in a car accident last night in Tuscaloosa, Al coming from prom. They were so excited to go to prom ?. Sending thoughts and prayers to both families and friends. Rest in heavenly peace babies ?? pic.twitter.com/eg81eFbUFg
— ✌?✌? (@04_kcjj) April 15, 2023
Brown was a student of R.C. Hatch High School, where he played football, was loved by his teammates, and was regarded as a mentor. Sims was also a student track athlete at Bryant High School.
A representative for the Tuscaloosa school district announced that the school would offer mental health support for the students and staff impacted by the tragic crash.
“This is a difficult time for our students, faculty and staff. On Monday, students will have access to counselors and social workers to help cope with this tragedy. We will continue to have counselors available to help our students in the coming days. Teachers and staff will have access to our Employee Assistance Program. We send our deepest sympathies to the families involved and ask that their privacy is respected during this difficult time.”
The Tuscaloosa police are investigating the crash for potential causes.
