Police have identified the 17-year-old girl killed when her car collided with a tractor trailer Friday night, as Beverly Bearinger.
Beverly and her 15-year-old sister Laurie were on their way to an event with their church youth group.
Police say the car was making a left turn from Tilman Rd. onto Arthur St. when it collided with a northbound tractor trailer around 7 p.m.
“I wasn’t very scared because I know the Lord Jesus Christ who’s our Savior would take care of us and nothing would happen,” said a tearful Laurie Bearinger.
Firefighters and emergency crews had to remove part of the roof of the vehicle to get the teens out safely.
Beverly was airlifted to Hamilton General Hospital in critical condition, but died later in hospital.
Laurie had only minor injuries.
The driver of the transport truck, a 35-year-old Cambridge man, wasn’t hurt.
Police say alcohol and speed were not factors in the crash.
“It’s believed that the tractor trailer heading northbound would’ve had the right of way,” said Sgt. Scott Richardson.
Beverly’s family is grief-stricken.
“She was a very dedicated girl,” said her uncle Edgar Bearinger. “Just a beautiful child that any parent would love to have.”
“She was my best friend and I wouldn’t want to live my life without her,” said Laurie. “I always looked forward to her being home but now she’s not going to be home anymore.”
