Smiling last photo of teens before tragic crash on the way to dance
The last photo of two teenagers has emerged just hours after they were killed in a crash on the way to a high school dance.
Lendon Byram and Kalen Hart were heading to Hamilton Heights High School’s prom in Kokomo, in the US state of Indiana, on Saturday about 5.15pm (local time) when they were involved in a crash with another car.
Lendon, whose age is yet to be reported, was driving while Kalen, 18, sat in the front passenger seat. Kalen was a Year 12 student at Hamilton Heights in Arcadia, while Lendon was in Year 11 at Cathedral High School in Indianapolis.
In a photo shared by Kalen’s mum Jody Conaway, the teens were pictured smiling together at the home of Lendon’s aunt Lisa Lucheon just hours before the crash.
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They had stopped by for Ms Lucheon to do Kalen’s hair.
Kalen was going to visit her mum just after the photo was taken, 13 WTHR reported.
Ms Conaway wrote on Facebook of her heartbreak in not getting to see her daughter before prom.
"I didn’t even get to see my baby girl in her prom dress," she wrote.
"I love you so much Kalen. I am so proud of the young woman you were becoming. Rest easy my baby girl."
Kalen’s sister Bailey Burnworth told 13 WTHR she was a “great person” and a “happy spirit”.
Ms Lucheon told a memorial her nephew was the happiest she had seen him when she was with Kalen.
Hamilton Heights School Corporation cancelled all prom-related activities and said grief counsellors would be available at the school.
“No one expects something like this to happen, and when it does, it leaves an entire community grieving,” Superintendent Derek Arrowood said.
“Please keep these families and our students in your thoughts and prayers.”
Deputy Ryan McClain from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office told the IndyStar it was not believed alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.
However, it does remain under investigation.
with The Associated Press
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