'We lost a very special person:' Community mourning after Nash teen dies from being shocked by active power line

A community is mourning after a 16-year-old was shocked while stepping out of her car following a crash with a power pole.

Family members said Alexis Harris spent three weeks in a local hospital, but died from the impact of the electricity.

On Thursday, hundreds gathered at Southern Nash High School's field where Harris spent a lot of time as a cheerleader and member of the school’s track team.

"I don't want people to remember Alexis by her death," said Harris' cousin Marquavius Burgess. "I want people to remember Alexis by who she was, and she was that one person that was always there for anybody."

"I didn't want to be here tonight under these circumstances. We lost a very special person in Alexis," said MidPoint Church Pastor Jon Bouille.

Bouille said Harris was a bright, youthful young lady he got know during his time as her youth pastor.

"She was searching. She just wanted more of the Lord, and she instantly became a part of our youth group, part of our family and under difficult circumstances she went on to be with the Lord," he said.

Franklin County investigators said Harris was involved in a single-car crash on April 16. After stepping out the car from the crash, she stepped on an active power line and was shocked.

"Alexis was such a fighter, even in the way that the accident happened. Not many people make it to the hospital," said Bouille.

"When I found out she had been in an accident, my heart dropped to my stomach. I saw people's reaction and it wasn't the best," said Harris' friend Jericka Wallace.

Wallace said she wanted her friend to pull through at the hospital

Instead, she’s holding onto to cherished memories.

"On the table I wrote, 'You had the brightest smile in school but now you'll be the brightest star in the sky,'" said Wallace.

"I'm hoping will go home and not think of the bad and sad thoughts but they think of the good memories and good thoughts," she said.

Denise Harris said a butterfly is how she wants to remember her beloved granddaughter.

"One of my butterflies has flew away but she is always going to be in our hearts ... I just want to give my love to everybody because I can't believe how many people love my butterfly," she said.

Loved ones said Alexis Harris will go on to give the gift of life to others as an organ donor.

"The prayer actually came that Alexis was an organ donor and even in her death she was able to give to so many other people waiting for their own miracles," said Bouille.