GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga.,None — Friends of two people killed in a head-on collision Saturday night set up a memorial in their honor.
Dozens gathered to place balloons and flowers at the memorial on Webb Gin House Road in Lawrenceville Sunday to remember 17-year-old Hope McKenzie and 20-year-old Austin Rogers. Their friend, Cody Bacon, fought back tears as he recalled facts about the accident.
"We know that it was a head on collision with the truck. We know that our two friends went quickly," he said.
Police said McKenzie, a senior at Grayson High School, was driving on Webb Gin House Road and sideswiped a car, then, slamming head-on into another. Rogers was in the passenger seat when both were killed. Investigators said alcohol was a factor in the crash as well as the foggy conditions on the curvy road. The pair worked together at a Kroger store in the area.
"I hope I know she's in a better place. So was Austin, but I miss them very much," said Bacon, who worked with both of them.
Tony Sexton led the group in prayer. McKenzie was his daughter's friend.
"Hope was well loved, very liked by such a huge amount of people," Sexton said.
A Facebook memorial page has been set up for McKenzie. Friends describe her and Rogers as unique, funny and always smiling.
"Smile on both their faces last time I saw them," Bacon said.
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A third person in the car at the time suffered a broken leg. Police said two people in the other car also went to the hospital for treatment for injuries. The crash is still under investigation.