Two teenagers died on Saturday after attending a high school prom in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Madison Sims,17, and Samuel Brown,18, passed away on April 15 in an automobile accident with a semi-truck. The Perry County School District released a statement on Facebook confirming the deceased’s identity.
“It is with great sadness that we mourn the loss of Samuel Brown and Madison Sims. Samuel was a student at Robert C. Hatch High School, and Madison was a student at Paul W. Bryant High School. We extend our most sincere condolences to the Brown and Sims family.”
Reports say the students attended Paul Bryant High School’s prom. Samuel was a football player, and Madison was on the track team at their respective schools, per AL.com.
2 teens killed, 2 others injured on prom night in Tuscaloosa car crash, police said the 2022 Tesla was pinned underneath a semi truck's trailer, and four teens were trapped inside the car.
🙏🏾 Rip Madison and Samuel
This is heartbreaking 😔 pic.twitter.com/xF9K0Gmz1V— Nicole (@Nprezzed) April 15, 2023
What We Know About The Semi-Truck Prom Night Crash
Following the prom at Tuscaloosa River Market, Sims was behind the wheel of a 2022 Tesla, Samuel was in the passenger seat, and two other female teens were in the backseat.
At about 1:50 a.m. local time, Sims crashed into a semi-truck, reportedly pinning the Tesla under the truck’s trailer. Madison and Samuel were pronounced dead on the scene, but the backseat passengers were transported for medical treatment.
Police say an 18-year from Montgomery sustained serious injuries, while a 17-year-old from Marion was treated for minor injuries. The female teens were treated at different medical centers.
Perry County School District didn’t provide further details about the accident or Sims and Brown. However, they revealed that grief counselors will be on the schools’ campuses to provide “emotional support” to the staff and students.
Police are still investigating this incident, and there are no updates on the conditions of the truck driver or the surviving teenagers.
Meanwhile, Madison and Samuel received an outpour of love and condolences for their families on social media.
https://twitter.com/Kenya_Kaybee/status/1647270657426685954?s=20
Wow this young alabama couple died in a car accident after prom less than 24 hours ago. Sad ! i hope it had nothing to do with Tesla malfunctions smh. Rip 💔smfh😢 #MadisonShaque #SamuelBrown #RiP 👑💕👑 pic.twitter.com/6c4mLoOjEy
— ✨Lanré✨ (@SikiraT) April 15, 2023
Prayers to the families of those 2 beautiful kids that lost their lives last night on prom night! #Tuscaloosa #Alabama 🕊️💔🙏🏽
— Denice Shaw (@DeniceShaw_) April 15, 2023
Prayers to the families that lost their babies last night in Alabama after prom. 😔🙏🏾 So sad 💔
— ikingirl💕 (@iMixdMami) April 15, 2023
https://twitter.com/WiseSkillfulOne/status/1647469219741663232?s=20
When you think of prom you think of having a good time with friends from school. Unfortunately on prom night in Alabama a tragedy happened! Just wanted to make a graphic for the family and close friends! #MBdesigns #alabama #bryantHS #prom #samuelbrown #madisonsims pic.twitter.com/4cBp5Kgxva
— Mel Bolden (@MelTheMayor) April 17, 2023