A Florida teenager was killed in a car crash as he was on the way to a practice run of his high school graduation ceremony, police have said.
Christopher Brooks, 18, failed to slow down for stopped traffic and slammed into the back of a dump truck and was killed on impact, according to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek.
The incident took place close to South Fork High School on Thursday morning. Brooks had been due to walk the stage with his classmates later that night, the sheriff told reporters.
“It did not look like he hit the brakes,” Budensiek said. “Clearly there was some type of distraction, but we don’t know what that is.”
According to the sheriff, the crash took place so close to the school that smoke was spotted by one of Brooks’ close friends, who was one of the first on the scene.
“They ran up and saw what no one should see. So they’re traumatized,” Budensiek said, adding that Brooks’ grandparents, his legal guardians, were on the scene with the sheriff’s office.
The teenager was a “beloved” member of the school community and was part of various academic programs.
South Fork’s graduation ceremony still went ahead on Thursday, with tributes paid to Brooks and a chair draped in a black and red gown – the school’s colors. His seat also featured a graduate’s cap and multiple floral tributes.
School board member Brian Moriarty shared pictures of the “powerful” night and described how two students honored Brooks by including him in the “turning of the tassels” on his graduation hat to signify he had graduated.
“The night was full of reflection and kindness. The graduates found a way to remember and honor their fallen friend, as well as to celebrate their amazing achievements,” Moriarty wrote online.
“What an amazing effort by SFHS and the MCSD to get everything together in spite of this tragedy just hours before... Christopher Brooks…you are gone, but never forgotten. Always in our hearts. Forever.”
Fellow students also remembered Brooks fondly. "He was a friend to everyone," Ryland Morris told WPBF. "He was always cracking jokes."
"He truly was super sweet. He was a sweetheart. He was very kind, always looking out for others," Savannah Morris added.
In a statement shared Friday morning Martin County School District described the incident as “heartbreaking.”
“Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy, including our students, staff, and school community,” the statement read.
“We ask that you please keep those affected in your thoughts and prayers and be mindful and respectful in comments as this situation unfolds.”
“This really does highlight just how fragile life is, how quickly things change,” Budensiek said.
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading investigations into the crash. Additional details are not currently available about the circumstances leading to the incident.
