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Crowd remembers recent high school graduate killed in car crash

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WVEC) -- Dozens of people gathered in front of Indian River High School Wednesday night to remember Kendra Fitchett.

The 18-year-old, who graduated with honors in June, died July 3.

She and her boyfriend, Brandon Riddick, were on their way home from church when their car went off Route 58 near the Hampton Roads Executive Airport. The car hit a tree, killing Fitchett and Riddick.

"To find out when I left that building, that's the last I would see her face, it kind of kills you inside," said classmate Elijah Wilkerson, referring to graduation day. "

"She was just always a joy to be around, and she would go out of her way to do anything for somebody," shared Fitchett's friend, Stephen Pugh. Really at a loss for words because I still can't believe -- even when they say her funeral is coming, I still can't believe it."

PHOTOS: Vigil held for Kendra Fitchett

Fitchett's family members -- many of whom were at the gathering Wednesday -- told 13News Now earlier in the week that Fitchett planned to attend college and work at the family's funeral home.

"You always hear the stories of when you reach adulthood you, you start losing friends, and I don't think it really, we really understood what that meant until this happened," said Richard Abdul. "It changes things completely, like, it makes me want to just, like, stop procrastinating, just do it because there really could be a time when I might not be here tomorrow."

"The vibe she puts off is happiness," stated Elijah Wilkerson. "I just gotta -- that flame lives through me now. I love Kendra."

Fitchett's viewing takes place Friday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Fitchett Funeral Home, 1821 East Liberty Street, Chesapeake.

Because of the large number of people expected for her funeral service, the pastor of Gethsemane Community Fellowship Baptist Church offered the family the use of the church which is located at 1317 East Brambleton Avenue, Norfolk. The service is at 12 p.m. Saturday.

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