WILKINSON COUNTY, Ga. — A 16-year-old Wilkinson County teen was remembered on Wednesday after her pickup truck ran off the road hitting a tree on Saturday, according to the Georgia State Patrol.
Darian Destiny Kirkpatrick — who was known as Turtle Sanders to friends and family, according to her obituary — was driving in a Ford F150 on Laurel Branch Road near Jack Fountain Road when they say she lost control of her car and careened into a tree. She died from her injuries on Saturday.
"It is with deep sadness that we share news of the untimely passing of junior, Darian 'Turtle' Kirkpatrick, one of our beloved students," Wilkinson County High School posted on Facebook. "Turtle was a vibrant member of our community who actively participated in various extracurricular activities, particularly the Drama Club, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her."
According to the GSP, when Kirkpatrick lost control, she drove into a ditch on the west shoulder of the road. Then, Kirkpatrick attempted to regain control and then swerved across the road again and drove into a ditch on the west should, the GSP said.
They say that Kirkpatrick's truck continued to travel for around 40 feet before striking a tree. The car was overturned on its left side when authorities arrived.
They say that Kirkpatrick was taken to Atrium Health Navicent in Macon in an air ambulance and on Monday, the GSP learned that Kirkpatrick had died. According to her obituary, Kirkpatrick died on Saturday.
In her obituary, they say that Kirkpatrick was involved in the Beta Club, was a dual enrollment student, a member of the National Honors Society and was heavily involved in drama. She also loved playing soccer and dancing.
Kirkpatrick was also an employee at Surcheros in Milledgeville and they say — while she had an independent streak — she was taught to "check on and befriend people sitting alone."
"She always tried to bring joy and happiness to others," her obituary said.
According to the Wilkinson County High School memorial, they highlighted her positive role in the school's community. She was a junior.
"Turtle's caring and kind nature was evident in her interactions with her peers, and she made a positive impact on our student body," Wilkinson County High School said.
Her celebration of life took place on Wednesday.
MORE THAN A NUMBER
RELATED: More Than A Number: Family Form
More Than A Number is a Poynter-Stand Together award-winning project by Justin Baxley designed to help families of loved ones impacted by tragedy and trauma interact with journalists in a less intrusive way. Families are able to fill out a form about their family and also receive an in-depth guide on the next steps.
More Than A Number officially launched in August with a streaming special available on 13WMAZ+ for on-demand streaming. For any questions or concerns about More Than A Number, contact us here at the following email: MoreThanANumber@13wmaz.com.