A group of nearly 300 grieving teenagers who gathered on the Lakewood, Colo. roadway where Samantha Stricklen was killed in a car accident 24 hours earlier heard from the victim’s mother, who told them in sign language, “Please don’t drink and drive!” Samantha, 17, was a passenger in a car hit head-on by a 16-year-old driver who investigators say may have been drinking. Samantha’s parents, Michelle and Bill Stricklen, are both “deaf and mute,” said the Rocky Mountain News, and they spoke at the candlelight vigil through interpreter Bert Kondrotis. “Samantha loved all of you very much,” said Michelle. “You were really wonderful to her.” Added Bill: “She is now here with us.” source
