A Florida senior was killed Thursday morning in a car crash while driving to his high school graduation practice, just hours before he was set to receive his diploma, authorities said.
The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. as Brooks was approaching the intersection of Bulldog Way and Pratt Whitney Road. Budensiek said the teen was driving a small Honda northbound along Pratt Whitney Road when he failed to slow for traffic stopped at the light and drove straight into the back of the truck.
"It did not look like he hit the brakes," Budensiek added. "Clearly there was some kind of distraction but we don't know what distraction that was."
Deputies and fire rescue personnel responded to the accident after receiving multiple 911 calls of a serious crash along the busy two-lane highway. Brooks was pronounced dead at the scene.
Budensiek said one of Brooks's friends, who was nearby and saw smoke from the collision, ran to the scene and witnessed the aftermath. Brooks's grandparents, who were his legal guardians, also responded to the incident to assist authorities.
The Florida Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the accident. Budensiek said it was unclear how fast the teen was going or whether he was wearing a seat belt. The sheriff noted that the Honda "drove up under the dump truck" and that, given the severity of the crash, safety restraints likely would not have changed the outcome.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, Budensiek expressed condolences to students and staff at South Fork High School in the wake of the tragedy.
"This really does highlight just how fragile life is, how quickly things change," he said. "I'm a parent, I have a 17-year-old son, so this impacts me. This can happen to anybody ... I don't know exactly what took place with Mr. Brooks this morning, but pay attention when you're out there driving."
"But through their grief, our students led us—they wanted to honor Christopher by celebrating his life, his journey, and all he accomplished alongside them," Thompson added. "Their strength and love reminded us all what truly matters."