Accident claims life of Sarah Anderson

ROBERTSDALE, Ala. - Friends and family are mourning the loss of an Auburn University student, and Robertsdale High School graduate. State Troopers say slick roads from Tropical Storm Ida led to the accident that cost 19-year-old Sarah Anderson her life.

Anderson was the 2008 drum major of the Robertsdale High Golden Bear Band. She went on to play with Auburn University.

Her high school band director, Neil Sasser, says Anderson seldom missed a beat.

"Not many, not many. She was always where she was supposed to be," says Sasser.

The teenager died in a two car crash on Tuesday, just outside Montgomery on Interstate-85. She was with a friend when the car Anderson was driving hydroplaned and hit a tractor trailer. Her friend survived, but she did not.

"It's our juniors and seniors that were in band with her, and a lot of students have taken it hard," said Sasser.

Sasser says Anderson was a student who tried her best to always be in step in the band and in life.

"She was a very good leader, everybody looked up to her. She was one of those students who always stayed after and helped other students," he added.

Leaders says the next time the band performs, Anderson's memory will march with them.

State troopers say Anderson was not wearing a seat belt. The passenger, who is in stable condition, was wearing a seat belt.