Mother of victim in I-75 tragedy speaks

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Celeste Knapp said her daughter Sabryna Hughes, 17,  loved people.

"Sabrina was someone who had never met a stranger. She was outgoing, bubbly, and always had something quick witted and funny to say," Knapp said.

But Sabryna's life was tragically cut short when the vehicle she was riding in crashed into a semi Sunday afternoon during I-75's devastating pile-up.

The Associated Press said authorities closed the busy six-lane highway early Sunday because a mix of fog and smoke from a nearby brush fire made visibility difficult. The road was reopened about three hours later after the Highway Patrol determined conditions had improved. The first pileup occurred a short time later.

At least a dozen cars, six tractor trailers and a motorhome collided. Some cars were crushed under the bellies of big rigs. Others burst into flames, making it difficult to identify victims.

Sabryna was traveling to Sarasota with her father, Michael Hughes, and her stepmother, Lori Hughes.  

They were planning to attend a funeral.

"It was a last minute arrangement. She had asked me if it was okay if she went. I told her it wasn't a problem," Knapp said. "She said she wouldn't be home until Monday afternoon. I didn't hear anything; so I called, and their phones were rolling right over into voicemail."

Knapp said her mother told her about the accident on I-75.

"I said, 'No, there's no way. There's no way that's Sabryna,'" Knapp said.

She filed a missing person's report on Sabryna Tuesday morning. Hours later, authorities found Sabryna's remains in the back of the truck.

She was the eleventh and final victim in the I-75 tragedy.

"I was devastated. Not only was she my daughter, she was my best friend," Knapp said.

Knapp said Sabryna spent a lot of time volunteering at church and helping mentor young children in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program.

"She was the one who would stick up for everyone when the world was coming down on them. She was the one who would be the last friend standing and she didn't care what anyone thought about that," Knapp said.

Knapp said she knows Sabryna's death will affect all those who knew her.

"This is the most difficult thing I've had to walk through. I'm convinced this will definitely change a lot of people's lives because of the impact she's made on everyone. She's going to be missed," Knapp said.

Sabryna's closest friends and family will be holding a vigil for her Friday at 5:30 p.m.

A memorial is planned for Sabryna on Sunday at 3 p. m. at the Jubilee International Ministries.

Sabryna's father and stepmother also died in the crash.