Cleveland County, NC : High school senior died in a car accident in Shelby on Tuesday afternoon, May 3, 2016

Crest High School seniors gathered around the school flagpole Wednesday afternoon to say a few prayers and tell stories to remember one of their own who died in a car accident Tuesday afternoon.

Elizabeth Drum, 18, was heading south on South Lafayette Street during a heavy rainstorm when her car hydroplaned, according to State Troopers, and went out of control.

The vehicle went off the embankment and traveled alongside the road for about 50 feet before it slammed sideways into a tree. Drum, who was alone in the car, was pinned in and died at the scene.

"I couldn't believe it when I heard," said Leanne Hubbard, a classmate and friend of Drum's.

At Crest High School, counselors were on hand for any teachers or students who needed them. They wore orange and red in tribute to Drum. On Wednesday afternoon they also placed flowers at the base of the school flagpole and released orange balloons into the air.

It was a somber mood all day, said senior Nikki McDaniel. "It was very quiet."

The accident came just five weeks before Drum was to graduate with the class of 2016.

Hubbard says Drum will always be a part of that class, adding, "I hope she is smiling down on us, like she smiled at us every day."

Source :
High school senior killed in Shelby crash