CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. — Georgia State Patrol said charges are pending against a high school senior who was behind the wheel when she crashed into a tree, killing her classmate.
Cristina Pavon-Baker was driving a Mini Cooper on Interstate 75 near Exit 233 in Morrow when authorities said she left the road way.
The car hit the tree so hard that it caused the tree to uproot.
The 17-year-old was seriously injured in the crash and her friend, 18-year-old Makayla Penn, was killed.
Channel 2's Tom Jones learned the Community Christian School students were participating in senior skip day and were headed to Southlake Mall to buy swimwear for spring break.
“You know, spring break is next week and we come out here to Southlake Mall, we come out here to shop,” said classmate Tyrik Wynn.
Officers said too many drivers unfamiliar with the area fail to negotiate the curve and crash.
“High impact. And rolled over and tore the door off. Real bad, very bad,” the tow truck driver said about the crash.
Wynn said he knows the girls and has a class with them.
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He had a warning for other teens.
“Teens out there be careful and pay attention to what you’re doing on the road,” Wynn said. “Make sure you have your eyes on the road at all times.”
Pavon-Baker was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital.
The headmaster at Community Christian School is asking for prayers for all involved.
A prayer vigil is scheduled for Tuesday night at the school in Stockbridge.