Nationwide — Patience Price, an 18-year-old African American teen from Douglas County, Georgia, sadly died in a car crash after attending her high school prom. She was a passenger in a Mercedes that left the road and rolled, killing her before her May graduation.
The Georgia State Patrol said the crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. The Mercedes veered off the road, hit an embankment, and flipped multiple times before coming to a stop. Investigators believe Price was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. She was ejected from the vehicle during the rollover.
The driver survived with minor injuries. A second passenger also survived and was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital, where doctors treated and released them.
Price attended Chapel Hill High School in Douglas County. She played on the track and volleyball teams and planned to graduate in May before pursuing a career in real estate.
Friends and family later gathered to honor her with candles and balloons. They called her “PayPay” and shared memories of her life and faith.
Her mother, Kimberly Jones, spoke about forgiveness during the vigil and said her daughter would not want anger held against anyone involved. “Mistakes happen,” Jones said. “Patience would not, she would not want me to hold a grudge. Matter of fact, Patience would tell me, ‘Mama forgive. Mama love.'” Her father, Ronald Price, said he would remember her faith and the way she impacted others.
Jones also set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral costs. It has so far raised over $15,000. She described her daughter as energetic, faith-driven, and someone who faced health struggles with strength, including kidney issues.
Authorities also noted that speed played a role in the crash, but they have not released the exact speed. It is still unclear if charges will be filed as the investigation continues.