Vigil held for Douglasville teen killed in prom night crash

Vigil for Georgia teen killed in crash after prom

A community in mourning came together for a vigil in honor of a Georgia teen killed in a car crash on her prom night.

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. - A heartbroken Douglas County community came together Tuesday night to mourn a high school senior killed in a crash on her prom night.

Community honors 'PayPay' at Hunter Park vigil

What they're saying:

Hundreds of friends and family members released balloons and held candles to remember 18-year-old Patience Price, affectionately known as "PayPay." 

Price's mother, Kimberly Jones, spoke directly to the crowd about forgiveness for the driver.

"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, added that he would remember her for her relationship with God and her impact on others.

What we know:

The Georgia State Patrol says the crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Saturday. 

Price was a passenger in a Mercedes that veered off the road, struck an embankment, and flipped multiple times.

Investigators believe Price was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. 

She was set to graduate from Chapel Hill High School this May. 

The driver suffered only minor injuries, and a second passenger was treated and released from Grady Memorial Hospital.

Fundraiser for teen killed in tragic crash after prom

18-year-old Patience "PayPay" Price tragically passed away in car crash following prom night with friends. Family of the Douglasville teen are raising money for funeral services. Link to the Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-give-patience-paypay-the-best-going-home

What you can do:

Price's mom started a GoFundMe to raise money for her funeral. In the fundraiser, Jones described Price as a "fire cracker" who loved the Lord. 

She said Price died after attending Chapel Hill High School's prom, just months before she was set to graduate in May.

"She faced kidney challenges with courage and grace, and today we find comfort in believing she is at peace and fully healed," Jones said. "While we may never understand why her time with us was cut short, we trust that her life had purpose and that her love and spirit will continue to live on through all who knew her. The impact she made was quiet but powerful, and it will not be forgotten."

Jones said the 18-year-old attended Chapel Hill High School, where she was on the track and volleyball teams. She added that her daughter planned to become a Real Estate Agent following graduation.

What we don't know:

FOX 5 has reached out to Douglas County Schools for comment and is waiting to hear back.

While speed has been identified as a contributing factor, investigators have not yet released the specific speed the vehicle was traveling at the time of the impact. It is also unclear if any charges will be filed against the driver involved in the crash.