PORT SAINT LUCIE, Fla. — Saturday marks one year since a violent crash in St. Lucie County claimed five young lives.
“It’s been a long journey for all the families and for all of us,” said Susan Brooks, the aunt of one of the victims.
They are now known as the 'Fab 5': Darien Douglas, Anthony Martin, Anthony Victor, Kedan Tilett, and Alexis Cheney.
“The kids are so young and they had a life ahead of them. They had a chance to live, and so it’s been really hard for all of us,” Brooks said.
The five friends were driving home on Black Friday last year when their pickup truck was rear-ended at Midway Road and S. 25th Street in Fort Pierce. The impact was so strong, the pickup burst into flames. One girl was rescued, but the five others did not survive.
“I miss my phone calls, our talks, the hugs, everything about her,” said Shameka Baker, the mother of Alexis Chaney.
Tanner Dashner is now facing five counts of vehicular homicide and DUI manslaughter. Investigators say he was driving nearly 100 miles per hour, and his blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit at the time of the crash.
“It took effect on the whole city when the accident happened. It’s important because I want justice to be served,” Baker said.
Now the community is coming together at Saint Lucie Lanes, located at 6759 U.S. 1 in Port St. Lucie, on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a fundraiser to raise money for several memorial benches which will be placed around the area.
As for Dashner, no trial date has been set. He’s due in court next month.