22-year-old Georgia Tech student killed in weekend crash had dreams of being an engineer

ATLANTA — Family and friends are mourning the loss of a Georgia Tech student killed in a crash over the weekend.

Alahna Smith, 22, was killed after her SUV plowed into a tractor-trailer on Marietta Boulevard early Sunday morning. Smith was pinned under the truck and pronounced dead at the scene.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Smith’s mother, Electra Branch, said in a GoFundMe set up to raise money for funeral expenses that she dreamed of becoming an electrical engineer. Smith grew up in Maryland, but loved her newfound home in Atlanta.

TRENDING STORIES:

• Queen Elizabeth II dies at 96
• DeKalb police release video of 3 gunmen accused of shooting, killing man picking up food order
• “Kia Boyz” viral trend leading to car thefts across the country now hitting metro Atlanta

According to an article on Georgia Tech’s website, she was part of the introductory 2018 cohort of the Georgia Tech Clark Scholars Program, which rewards student who display strong academic and leadership potential in engineering.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

“She worked hard and played hard, and loved her family more than anything,” Branch wrote on the GoFundMe. “She was talented, intelligent, driving and loving. She played basketball, lacrosse and was a cheerleader and a dancer.”

Branch said the family wants to bring her body back to Maryland for burial. So far, the GoFundMe has raised more than $32,000.

The driver of the tractor-trailer has not been identified and there are no charges pending. The investigation is ongoing.

Queen Elizabeth II dead at 96 Queen Elizabeth II was the longest-reigning British monarch. (NCD)

©2022 Cox Media Group