COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A Cobb County community is mourning the death of a 17-year-old girl in a fiery crash on Sunday just blocks from her high school.
Cobb County police said Kayleigh S. Neste, a Kell High School student from Kennesaw, was driving her Nissan 350Z around 7:15 p.m. westbound on Jamerson Road when she lost control and crossed into the eastbound lanes.
Neste's car crashed into a Kia Forte and caught fire. The driver of the Kia was a 16-year-old girl, police said.
Channel 2′s Chris Jose was in Marietta, where neighbors said they tried to jump in and help after hearing a loud boom and they saw a car on fire.
"It sounded like it was right in front of our house," Megan Cash said.
Jason Cable ran across the street to help when he heard the accident.
"We heard a car revving. Then we heard tires squealing. And then we heard the impact," Cable said. "As soon as we got to the edge of the yard, I could see the flames."
Cable said his neighbors pulled Neste out of the car before it became fully engulfed in flames.
Cable said his neighbors then used a truck to pull the Kia away from the flames with a 16-year-old girl still trapped inside.
"I was just trying to get ventilation into the car," Cable said. "I tried opening every door, the trunk, to get to the back seat. I tried everything."
Firefighters arrived moments later and were able to rescue the other teen. She was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The Cobb County School district said the girl is a student in the district.
Neste was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
Neste's classmates at Kell High School left flowers at the scene of the crash and gathered to say prayers.
Jose talked to Neste's mother, who said she isn't ready to speak publicly yet. She told Jose she appreciates the community's support.
The crash remains under investigation.
Cash said witnessing the crash made her realize how precious life is.
“Live life to the fullest while you have it, because you never know when it’s going to end,” Cash said.
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