GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — A devastated crowd gathered in Garfield Park on Sunday evening to honor and remember the life of Samantha Nelson after she was killed last Wednesday in a crash on I-90.
Samantha Nelson was a passenger in a Jeep that was captured on video appearing to race a Bentley at a high rate of speed on I-90. She was thrown from the Jeep onto the freeway after the Bentley struck the Jeep near the West 25th exit ramp.
Nelson later died at a Cleveland hospital later that night.
At Garfield park, white and pink balloons, Samantha's favorite, were released by family, friends and community members. A family and community who all say "enough is enough" when it comes to reckless driving, racing and loved ones dying in those kind of incidents.
Samantha's brother Antonio was overcome with grief during the vigil trying to make sense of something so senseless.
"We waited all day and all night and I prayed, prayed and prayed. She did not deserve this she was too lovable for this."
Many in the community were heard calling for change as reckless driving and racing have become more common on Northeast Ohio highways recently, notably on I-90 where the deadly crash happened.
One relative of Samantha Nelson said, "I'm hoping that by the passing of Samantha, we can get changes as far as the speed limit and how traffic is circulating around the city."
As the balloons were released, they faded in the sky with sparkles and a bright sheen. Just like Antonio's sister Samantha who leaves behind two young children.
"I love you Sam. I'm crushed I miss you so much."