Columbus, GA : Two teenage girls killed and teenage boy injured in a single-vehicle car crash on Hwy 18 in Russell County on Tuesday afternoon, March 17, 2015

The Russell County community is mourning the loss of two teenage girls after they were killed in a car crash Tuesday afternoon.

Janika Rogers, 17, and Asija Johnson, 16, were killed in the crash on Oswichee Road in Fort Mitchell. Both girls were students at Russell County High School.

A makeshift memorial with stuffed animals, crosses and flowers was placed at the scene of the crash. Many came by the memorial Wednesday to honor the lives of the girls who were well-known and well-liked by many.

Dennell Fairley was one of the many members of the community who came by to remember the teens. For Fairley -- he was revisiting the scene. He was driving behind the Dodge Ram when it crashed on Tuesday and got out to try to save the girls.

“It's still unbelievable to me,” said Fairley. “I'm just thinking about how quick you can lose your life and those young kids haven't got a chance to do anything, they haven't lived yet.”

The family of Janika Rogers says they will remember her as a charismatic, fun-loving girl.

“I think if Janika was here, I think one of the things she would want us to do was not to be sad for her, but live life to the fullest and don't take life for granted,” said Rogers' Uncle William R. Hines. “She loved her family, her brothers, her mothers, her uncles, aunts; she was just an adorable child in her own special way.”

Similar sentiments were said about Asija Johnson. A friend of Johnson told News 3 in an email, "She was like my little sister and I loved her like one...it won't be the same seeing her empty seat in class."

Officials say neither of the girls was wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.

The driver -- a 17-year-old student at Russell County High School has been released from the hospital. He told News 3 he was doing better, just sore from a broken arm.

Authorities tell us the driver may face charges. When State Troopers complete their investigation, they will present the evidence to the district attorney. A grand jury will then determine if the driver should be charged.

In an eerie coincidence - a Russell County high school student was killed on the same day last year. State Troopers say 16-year-old Jana Hobbs was killed on Highway 431 when her car collided with another vehicle.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been made for the girls, but a memorial is planned Sunday at 4 pm at the location where the crash happened.

Source :
Single-vehicle crash in Russell Co. leaves 2 dead, 1 injured