An Alabama teen and her prom date were tragically killed on prom night after their 2022 Tesla collided with a semi-truck shortly before 2am Saturday morning.
Madison Sims, 17, and Samuel Brown, 18, had just attended their school prom hours before the crash. They were both pronounced dead after officials arrived at the scene on Skyland Boulevard East and Interstate 20/59.
According to a teacher of Sims, who attended Paul W. Bryant High School, the high school student was a “shining light to everyone she made contact with.”
Forty-eight hours after her death, her school held a balloon release in honor of Sims. “Although she was quiet, her presence spoke volumes to her peers and adults alike. She will be missed dearly,” the school released in a statement on Facebook.
“Madison will always live in the hearts that she left behind,” the statement continued. “She was a sweet and quiet student in our building. Madison knew the power of having strong friendships, and she loved wholeheartedly all who entered her friend circle. Madison was very soft-spoken, and her soft smile was easily shared when she talked with peers and adults. While Madison is gone from us now, we will continue to hold her in our hearts forever. Our grieving families and Stampede Nation need prayers for strength today and hope for tomorrow as we mourn the loss of our dear student, Madison.”
Brown, a senior at a neighboring school, R.C. Hatch, was a rising football and basketball star.
“Praying for the family of Samuel Brown,” the school posted on Facebook. “To say we will miss him would be an understatement!”
Grief counselors were assigned to assist students and teachers the week following the students’ deaths. “At this time, we ask that everyone be mindful of those who are experiencing grief,” Paul W. Bryant High School said in a statement.
