A devastating tragedy has struck the community of Douglasville, Georgia, as 18-year-old high school senior Patience Price lost her life in a car crash on March 28th. The promising young woman’s future was cut short just hours after celebrating prom, leaving friends and family heartbroken.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
According to officials from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), the incident occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m. as Price and a group of friends were returning from prom at the Delta Flight Museum. The GSP believes Price was not wearing a seatbelt and was tragically ejected from the vehicle during the collision.
The group was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed while navigating a curve on Chapel Hill Road when the Mercedes they were in veered off the road. The car struck an embankment, became airborne, and overturned multiple times, according to reports from WSB-TV and 11 Alive.
Remembering Patience’s Vibrant Spirit
Patience, a senior at Chapel Hill High School, is being remembered by her friends for her radiant spirit and unwavering support. ‘She was always there for me anytime I needed her. And she just had so much love,’ shared her friend Jazzlyn Scott with WSB-TV. Scott added, ‘She had so much to live for. She had graduated early. She didn’t even get to walk the stage.’
Scott also highlighted that the specific stretch of Chapel Hill Road where the crash happened is known locally for being dangerous due to a sharp curve. ‘Everybody who lives over here knows you need to slow down when you get over here,’ she noted, expressing the surreal nature of the loss.
Community Support and Funeral Fund
The Chapel Hill High School crisis team has been made available to support students affected by Price’s passing. Meanwhile, Patience Price’s mother, Kimberly Jones, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses. The fundraiser describes the teen as a ‘Fire Cracker’ with a ‘prettiest smile’ who ‘always lit up a room.’
The campaign also shares that Patience, lovingly known as ‘PayPay,’ had bravely overcome kidney challenges and was a deeply loved member of her family who ‘loved the Lord.’ As of March 31st, the fundraiser had raised over $8,700 towards its $15,000 goal, reflecting the community’s efforts to support the grieving family.
Our hearts go out to Patience Price’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. If you wish to support the family, donations can be made via the GoFundMe campaign. Share your memories or condolences for Patience in the comments below.