In a heartbreaking incident over the weekend, two best friends, Natalie White, 24, and Holly Wagner, 25, lost their lives in Nashville, Tennessee, due to a crash caused by a suspected drunk driver.
The tragedy has left their families, friends, and the community in deep mourning.
The crash occurred on a Saturday night, abruptly ending the promising lives of Natalie and Holly, who had recently moved into an apartment together, excited to embark on a new chapter as roommates.
Both women were proud graduates of Fisk University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU), where they completed their degrees in 2021.
The impact of this loss is immeasurable, as expressed by Natalie’s father, Mark White, who voiced his heartbreak:
“This person took our baby away.”
The grief-stricken families and community members gathered on Wednesday afternoon at Fisk University to honor the memories of the two friends.
The vigil, held at Fisk Memorial Chapel, was a poignant event filled with love, memories, and tears as friends, family, and former classmates shared stories of Natalie and Holly.
Natalie’s mother, Christal White, described her daughter as “a ray of sunshine” who brought joy and laughter wherever she went. Holly’s sister, Leah Wagner, remembered the inseparable bond between the two best friends, noting:
“When Holly kicked in my door, you knew Natalie was right behind her.”
Despite the overwhelming grief, Holly’s mother, Cynthia Wagner, finds some solace in knowing that her daughter was not alone in her final moments.
“I know she’s in heaven, and I know Natalie is there with her,” Cynthia shared. The families believe that the unbreakable bond between Natalie and Holly continues, even in death.
As police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash, many questions remain unanswered, leaving the families searching for closure.
However, amidst the sorrow, they hold onto the love and memories they shared with Natalie and Holly.
Mark White reflected on his final conversation with his daughter on the day she passed, which happened to be his birthday.
“At least I know the last thing I said to her was, ‘I love you,’” he recalled.
This tragic incident underscores the devastating consequences of driving under the influence. Every year, drunk driving claims the lives of thousands, with an estimated 10,000 fatalities annually in the United States alone.
The deaths of Natalie and Holly serve as a painful reminder of the need for vigilance and responsibility on the roads.
