Heritage High students mourn loss of 15-year-old classmate

Classmates of Hannah Viall, who died Saturday night in a car crash, wore red to school and gathered in the gym to pray. Grief counselors were also greeting students at the door Monday morning.

According to the Wake Forest Police Department, the single-car crash occurred around 9 p.m. at Heritage Hills Way and Vodin Street. Three teenagers were in the car, and Viall died at the scene. Another 15-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy were transported to the hospital with injuries.

Officials have not said who was driving the car, but that the driver did not have a valid driver's license.

"I don't know how I'm feeling. I don't know what I should feel. I just don't understand, and I just wish it never happened," said Madysen Shelly, who was on Viall's cheerleading team.

On Monday, a mounting memorial could be seen near the tree where the crash happened.

"Hannah was like a sister to me, and I just want to spend all of my time that I have with her at this moment at this tree," said Gregor Horne.

"The last time I saw (Hannah) was last week," said Collin Newton. "I drove her home from school, and I remember the last thing she said to me was, 'Thanks for the ride and drive safe.'"

Viall was a beloved member of Wake Forest Presbyterian Church.

Rev. Rebekah Maul, pastor and head of staff described the teen as a remarkable young woman.

"Hannah was a remarkable young woman of faith and kindness. She had an open spirit and was sensitive to others, recognizing those who needed an extra hug, and she was deliberate in reaching out to those who felt shunned or invalidated. She was a leader among her peers in the youth group at the church, taking great joy from the mission experiences she was able to be part of. She had a servants heart. She loved the saying, 'Creativity takes Courage'. Hannah had great courage," Maul said.

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman said Monday that the Wake Forest Police Department had reached out to her office for "consultation" on whether there will be charges sought against the driver.

"I feel horrible for her that she will have to carry that burden for the rest of her life," Robyn Manzo, a mother, said of the driver.

"They shouldn't have been driving, and simple mistakes can lead to bad things," Horne said.

Police have not released the identities or the conditions of the other two teens.

Dean Viall, Hannah's father, said the driver was a very close friend of his daughter.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the driver and her mother as they go through this difficult time," he said.

Viall said the the teens "made a poor choice" when they got into the Jeep. He said they were leaving the driver's home and had been driving less than a quarter mile when the wreck happened.

"The outpouring of love has been amazing and is evident by the numbers attending prayer vigils this week. We are sure that Hannah is smiling her huge smile at all the love that is being shared. Hannah’s gift was joy and she freely shared it with everyone around her," the Viall family said in a statement.

The family said they hope people honor Hannah's legacy by "showing grace and love to others, particularly those that may need acceptance or attention. They hope that people will share 'a hug a day' as Hannah did."

A visitation for Viall will take place Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bright Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Wake Forest Presbyterian Church in the Christian Life Center.