'It just broke my heart': Racine community mourns teen killed in car crash
RACINE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- An emotional day for the Racine community as they continue to grieve and say goodbye to 17-year-old Tyreana Scales. Scales was in a car accident Sunday and died from her injuries on Tuesday.
"It just broke my heart because like my last time talking to her was Friday at school and I never thought that would be my last time talking to her," said Azarianna Albritton, Tyreana's friend.
Scales went to Case High School and Friday, many students and staff members were in tears as a balloon release was held at the North Beach Oasis.
"She was a huge person in the building, so everybody felt the impact of what happened," said Christopher Walker, who works at Case High School.
Those who knew Scales best say she was known for kindness and big smile.
"Just her presence and her positivity and her smile," said Sharrendra Young, who works at Case High School. "Her smile lit up a room."
On Sunday, Scales and four other teenagers were in a car, when police say a man driving over 90 miles per hour crashed into them. The other teens had non-life-threatening injuries.
"I just couldn't believe it, she didn't deserve that at all," said Elyse Stephens, Tyreana's friend.
Her friends and family devastated, saying a prayer and releasing balloons in her honor.
"It just shows much of an impact she's made, it just shows you how much everybody cares about her," said Danielle Morelli, who works at Case High School.
Heartbroken at the future moments with Tyreana that were stolen from them.
"I was actually very devastated because I've known her since second grade and it was very hard because she's been one of my closest friends," said Tiyanna Johnson, Tyreana's friend.
Police say the driver of that vehicle was 34-year-old Salvador Coronado. Charges against him are expected in the coming days.
The Racine County Sheriff's Office say records show Coronado was previously convicted of operating a vehicle with a revoked license because of a prior OWI, as well as fleeing and eluding and two counts of bail jumping. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison and two years of extended supervision in that case.