Community mourns accident victim

Source: MSNBC
Author: Staff
Date: 2002/02/14

BIRMINGHAM, February 14 -- A memorial service was planned for Thursday night for a popular Gardendale High School cheerleader who, police say, was the victim of teen-aged drag racing.

Heather Vaughn died Tuesday night on I-65. Authorities, must decide what, is any, charges to bring.

Vaughn was killed traveling on I-65 in Hoover when their vehicle was struck head-on by another vehicle trying to avoid a back-up of cars created when one of two cars, allegedly racing, spun out of control.

"Those that are here are handling it. They're just having a tough time. We've had lots of counselors. We've had counselors from other schools. We've had counselors from local youth ministers," said Gardendale High School Principal Anna Vacca.

Vaughn was not in either of the cars that were allegedly racing. The accident is still under investigation. Once the report is complete, the district attorney will decide whether to file any charges. Charges could range from speeding to manslaughter.

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