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Teen killed in crash creates awareness

By Monica Rix - email

Huntsville, AL (WAFF) - There have been four deadly crashes in just a matter of days, but in one, investigators say alcohol played a key role in a teen's death.

17 year old Hogan Vaughn crashed on North Shawnee Drive, in Huntsville, Friday night.  Investigators say the teen had been drinking and driving-- what proved to be a deadly combination.

"It's been extremely difficult for our students", said Tom Drake, Principal at Grissom High School.  Vaughn was a senior at the school and now classmates and teachers are reacting to the news of his death.

"It's just a tragedy", said Drake.

But investigators are stressing it's never smart to drink, then get behind the wheel.

"Often times, they don't understand because they lack experience," said Highway Patrol Spokesperson, Curtis Somerville.

"We lost two students last year to a terrible accident", recalls Drake.

Just a few months ago, the deaths of two other Grissom High students, Tad Mattle and Leigh Anna Jimmerson, hit the school hard.  The teens were killed by an alleged drunk driver.

Drake now says his students are staff are coping with Vaughn's sudden death, with the help of grief counselors. They'll be onhand all day at the school.  Drake says about 400 students have already reached out for help.

The student body is also showing their support by wearing green-- it was Vaughn's favorite color-- and showing up at the crash site, where a makeshift memorial for the teen now stands.

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