Hundreds of friends and family members mourned the death of 17-year-old Bear Creek High School student Samara Stricklen during a funeral today in Lakewood.
Last Tuesday, Stricklen was killed and a 20-year-old man was critically injured after the car she was riding in was struck by a sports-utility vehicle.
The female driver, a 16-year-old student from Green Mountain High School, is being held and faces possible charges. Police believe she may have been drinking before the crash.
Stricklen’s 20-year-old friend, Seth Mutschler, who was driving the car that Stricklen was riding in, remains in critical condition at St. Anthony Medical Center.
Friends also prayed for his recovery during Stricklen’s funeral.
The Rev. Aric Randolph told those who gathered at Bear Creek Church that Stricklen was like the biblical good Samaritan she was named after.
“She put her friends first and was always willing to help other people,” Randolph said in sign language. Most of the service was conducted in sign language because Stricklen’s parents and many of their friends are deaf.
Bill and Michelle Stricklen urged teenagers to stay away from alcohol and announced they have set up a foundation in their daughter’s name to combat underage drinking.
Randolph told mourners that Samara Stricklen’s death was an opportunity to address the problem of drinking and driving.
“Life is so short,” Randolph said. “It’s precious. It’s priceless. Is it worth one sip of pleasure to destroy someone’s life?”
The Stricklens also set up an education fund for Zach Stricklen, her 13-year-old brother. Anyone interested may donate at any Wells Fargo Bank branch.
