A high school senior who boasted on TikTok that she never got into an accident was killed just days later when a car plowed into her vehicle in a head-on collision.
Kara Santorelli, 18, was driving down Highway 29 in Escambia County, Florida, when a Chevrolet sedan came careening down the wrong way and smashed into her Nissan SUV, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Santorelli, of Molino, died in the wreck, with the other driver, who has yet to be identified, also perishing after being trapped in their own vehicle.
Following the March 17 fatal crash, Santorelli’s boastful TikTok, which was posted six days before the incident, has gone viral with more than 15 million views.
In the video, the teen touts her safety record as she poses inside her vehicle with the caption: “When they try call me a bad driver but I’ve never hit a person or an actual car.”
Santorelli was active on TikTok, often posting videos with her best friends, according to her obituary.
She also enjoyed spending time on the beach and boating with her family.
Gina Southard, Santorelli’s aunt, said her family was heartbroken following the accident, writing on Facebook: “A little piece of my heart died today when I found out my niece went to heaven. I love your beautiful soul Kara!”
Lacey McLaughlin, Santorelli’s mother, wrote in a series of posts: “I love you Kara. God blessed me with you.”
Officials at Northview High School, where Santorelli was poised to graduate from, also mourned the teen’s death.
“We hold tight to beautiful memories that she had left with us. Her beautiful smile and kind spirit will continue to be in the hearts of her friends and classmates,” the school said in a statement.
Jimmy’s Grill, where Santorelli worked, echoed the sentiments and said Santorelli’s smile always brightened up the day of customers and coworkers.
“If you didn’t know Kara you missed out on knowing a very special person and it’s a void in our hearts,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post. “We will always remember you and know that you can put a smile on everyone’s face even through the rough times!”
The community held a memorial event for Santorelli last Saturday at Pensacola Beach. New York Post