Posted on 03/02/2004 6:42:22 AM PST by GailA
7 teenagers die in Millington joyride Why?
By Chris Conley Contact March 1, 2004
A late-night joyride turned to tragedy when a 15-year-old crashed the car he was driving into a tree near Millington, killing himself and six friends.
A passing motorist discovered the crushed car and the teens on Chambers Road, between Quito and Epperson Mill roads, about 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
Police said they did not know exactly when it happened. The teens, all students at Millington Middle School, were dead when police arrived.
They were identified as Michael Fradella, 15, the driver; and passengers Trey Hannah, 15; Lauren Sutherland, 15; Samantha Stawizynski, 15; Jessica Wallace, 13; Crystal Smith, 13; and Eric Sansone, 14.
The 1991 Mazda Protege topped a low hill at high speed in the westbound lane of Chambers, went airborne, bounded across the eastbound lanes and hit the tree sideways, Shelby County Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Shular said.
The tree-lined road runs through a semirural area northwest of Millington.
There was no evidence of alcohol use, Shular said. Routine toxicological tests have been ordered.
Michael was driving on a learner's permit, Shular said.
Tennessee law says that holders of learner's permits must have a licensed driver 21 or older in the car and may not drive between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
The four girls had been at a slumber party at Crystal's home, Shular said.
The girls were in the care of Crystal's grandmother, who was not identified.
The girls apparently locked the bedroom door behind them and left through a window. The screen on the window showed signs of being pried open, Shular said.
When deputies arrived at the crash site, they were unable to find any identification, Shular said.
Then a cell phone in the wreckage started ringing, and deputies picked it up. Michael Fradella's father was calling.
Michael Fradella's brother, Joe Fradella, recalled:
"I woke up about 5 o'clock and my dad said, 'I can't find your brother. We need to go look for him.' He had taken the keys to my dad's car while everyone was asleep, around 2 or 2:30. I guess he went out and scooped up his friends."
When they called Michael's cell phone, a police officer answered.
Joe Fradella said he believed the car was traveling about 80 miles an hour and skidded about 60 feet before hitting the tree.
"I guess a joyride, or something," the brother said.
"It's tragic," Shular said. "They all knew each other; they were very close."
Friends and family members converged on the site, at times clogging the road. Car parts were scattered across the area around the tree.
Some visitors had flowers to lay on the ground by the tree.
Others, weeping and being held up by friends, threw themselves down in front of the tree and were pulled away by friends.
The tragedy "is going to make parents pay close attention to where their kids are," said Eddie Matlock, whose stepdaughter was good friends with several of the victims.
He said he became concerned that she was among the victims after hearing about the tragedy. The girl stayed with her father that night as planned, he said.
"But when I first heard about it, I wanted to see her myself," Matlock said.
John Launius, a schoolteacher at Crosspointe Baptist Church, where he had taught some of the children, came to the site to pay his respects.
"They were good kids. A lot of kids loved them," he said, wiping away tears.
Sara Morris , 14, said she had been close friends with both Michael Fradella and Trey Hannah.
She said Michael had just gotten his learner's permit and was excited about it.
Morris said she called Trey "Trey-Trey," and that they often walked to the local library together.
Maybe they'll be reincarnated.... you seem to be.
204 must have been to you. odd, wouldn't you say?
Another appearance of the insider, with the usual weepy trash. This time they were complaining that there "was nothing to do in Millington", although the article clearly states that if you are determined enough, you can make your own fun anywhere. :)
um I kinda just saw this and my older sister died in that. what you said was wrong and rude. they were just teenagers being teenagers and having fun together and didn’t know that was gonna happen. they were good kids and did not deserve to die. and whoever agrees with you is messed up bc I know yall wouldn’t like it if yall lost a sibling. thanks.
Well, they’re dead now, so your superiority is firmly established. You must be so proud.
They do that around here. Almost every school has car that was totaled in a crash, driven by a h.s. student. And the car is usually parked where the kids can’t avoid seeing it as they arrive and depart each day. How effective that is, ultimately, there’s no way to tell. Seems there are always new cars to add to the wrecks.
Wondering why an 11-year old thread was bumped, I saw your post. You have my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your sister. When I read stories like this, I think, "There but for the grace of God go I..." and remember all the times when I was a teenager in a car going too fast with too many passengers and not enough experience behind the wheel.
Ten years from now my oldest son will be the same age as the driver and my youngest son will be the same age as your sister. I try to be the best parent I can be but I know my boys will act like teenagers, the same as I did. I only pray that God blesses them to survive these years as He did me. It is entirely up to Him.
Again, my sympathies to you.
FWIW, the person you replied to won't get the message. That account had long ago been banned. Probably most of the people who posted on this thread are no longer participating on this forum. Yes, many ugly comments indeed.
Take care.
You know, when I come upon threads like this I am usually not shocked (sadly) at some of the comments. No wonder liberals du the Honda about us they do with the blackbird compassion and ABSOLUTE shamelessneas some display. it must be nice to be so perfect and have never needed Gods grace and mercy.
To quote my Late Uncle’s favorite saying, “I know it’s none of my Business, but”.
You do know that what you Posted is not what Amore either said or implied.
I assume FR Posters don’t use Liberal “gotcha” Tactics when responding to each other, but it appears I am mistaken.
I think you owe Amore an Apology for your Itchy Keyboard Fingers.
Just my $.02, your Mileage may vary.
Wow, I didn’t even see how old this Thread was.
Do much for my previous Post. Must be long forgotten.
SO Much for my Previous Post. Geez...
Good lord
That’s just awful Gail
Their poor folks
Let me guess already
Freepers being nonsympathetic jerks down thread
Our resident jackasses being cute
You can count on it when kids die by living risky...being kids really
You know better than most how loss feels
I’m sorry
Ballard....per your recent post
If you want me to help you do a thread of your own to call out all these pricks here who were such jerks 11 years ago over your loss
I’ll be glad to
I would love to expose some of these heartless bastards and their comments
It’s the worst face of the forum
I’ve been here a long time as has Gail who is from your area
I’m pinging folks here I know to be of good heart or acted right on this very thread 11 years ago like me to call attention to your poignant post
I was a crazy kid down in Mississippi so long ago and now raising 5 of my own....including now boy entering driving age
Scares hell out of you
I’m sorry for your loss and I apologize for this forum
A thread over this might show you too everybody here isn’t a jackass and hide behind their username
Charlie....south of Franklin TN
God bless you....sorry you had to see this.....some of those asshats have been banned but plenty still here being self righteous jerks
Yep - sad. I did stupid things when I was a kid too. Fearless. I’m lucky to be alive. Seven kids - wow. I tell my kids all it takes is one stupid thing and it can change your life forever - try to think before you do. Easier said than done.
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