A Florida teenager who posted a viral video saying he had never been in a car accident has been killed just days after uploading the video to TikTok.
Cara Santorelli, 18, was hit head-on by a car while driving on Highway 29 in Escambia County, Escambia County, Florida on March 17.
The teenager, who has more than 44,000 followers on TikTok, posted a video six days before the crash that has now been viewed more than 15 million times.
“When people try to call me a bad driver, but I’ve never hit a person or a real car,” Santorelli wrote on a video of himself behind the wheel of his car.
The comments section of the six-second video has since been flooded with friends, with those who don’t know her telling her to “rest in peace”.
A Florida teenager who posted a viral video saying he had never been in a car accident has been killed days after uploading the video to TikTok.
Cara Santorelli, 18, was hit head-on by a car while driving on Interstate 29 in Escambia County, Florida, in the early morning hours of March 17.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the sedan that hit the teenager was driving on the wrong side of the highway before hitting him.
The Chevy burst into flames upon impact. Both drivers died on the spot.
Santorelli posted four videos on TikTok the day before his death, showing himself on the beach and behind the passenger seat of a car.
The latest video has now been viewed more than three million times.
According to her obituary, the 18-year-old loved being active on TikTok and making videos with her friends and family.
Santorelli’s aunt said in a Facebook memorial post that she was heartbroken.
“A small piece of my heart died today when I found out that my niece went to heaven. I love your beautiful soul Kara! written by Gina Southard.
The girl’s mother also wrote a heartbreaking note after her death was confirmed.
‘I love you Kara. God blessed me with you,” wrote Lacey McLaughlin, his mother.
The teenager, who has more than 44,000 followers on TikTok, posted a video six days before the crash that has now been viewed more than 15 million times.
The comments section of the six-second video has since been flooded with friends, with those who don’t know her telling her to “rest in peace”.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the sedan that hit the teenager was driving on the wrong side of the highway before it hit him.
The Chevy burst into flames upon impact. Both drivers died on the spot
“A small piece of my heart died today when I found out that my niece went to heaven. I love your beautiful soul Kara! wrote Gina Southard, Santorelli’s aunt, in a social media post
“If you didn’t know Cara, you missed out on knowing a very special person and it leaves a void in our hearts,” the restaurant where Santorelli worked posted a Facebook tribute.
In a statement, Northview High School officials remembered the teenager, who was just months away from graduating.
“We hold on to the beautiful memories he left with us. His beautiful smile and good spirit will remain in the hearts of his friends and classmates,” said school representatives.
The restaurant where Santorelli worked also posted a tribute to the teenager, saying she was a bright light in customers’ days.
“If you didn’t know Kara, you missed out on a very special person, and that leaves a void in our hearts,” the restaurant wrote.
“We will always remember you and know that you can put a smile on everyone’s face even in difficult times.” the post continued.
A memorial service was held for the teenager on Saturday in Pensacola Beach.