Dozens remember victim in I-75 tragedy

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Dozens gathered at Jubilee International Ministries to remember a girl whom people say impacted everyone she met.

Pastor David Wagner knew Sabryna Hughes since she was little.

"She had something that was beyond happiness. It was real joy. It was contagious," said Wagner.

Sabryna, 17, was with her father Michael Hughes and stepmother Lori Hughes when they were killed in the deadly pileup on I-75.

They were on their way to a funeral.

Hughes' remains were found Tuesday. She was the eleventh victim in the tragedy.

Those affected by her death remembered Sabryna at Jubilee Ministries where she spent much of her life.

Monica Benjamin is best friends with Sabryna's mother, Celeste Knapp. She taught Sabryna in a Bible study class.

"I was devastated because I had boys. But through Celeste, Sabryna was my little girl too. I watched her grow into a beautiful woman but I was so looking forward to seeing the rest of her life," Benjamin said.

Those close to Sabryna say she dreamed of being a pediatrician. They also say she was always there for her friends.

Shalyse Sauer was Sabryna's close friend for nearly six years.

"She was just like a light in the room. When I'd come here to see her, I could just go tell her how bad my day is and she'd just make me laugh and make me feel better," said Sauer.

Pastor Wagner says she was always fun to be around.

"She always had good things to say. She brought the best out of people and the best out of you. Her smile, her laughter, that gift that she is lives on in our hearts. It lives on in our memories, our families and the community that came out today," Wagner said.

Officials with Jubilee Ministries and Celeste Knapp are hoping to set up a scholarship fund in Sabryna's memory.

If you'd like to donate to the fund, you can contact Jubilee International Ministries at 1-850-474-9484.