Bryant High Mourns After Student Killed In Prom Night Crash

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Paul W. Bryant High School community, along with many across west Alabama, is mourning the loss of two teens killed in a two-vehicle crash early Saturday morning in the hours after Bryant High's prom.

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The driver was identified as 17-year-old Bryant High student Madison Sims, while the front-seat passenger was identified as Samuel Brown, 18, of Uniontown — a senior at R.C. Hatch High School.

Both were pronounced dead at the scene and two other teenage passengers were hospitalized following a collision with a semi-truck. The Tesla Sims was driving became pinned under the truck's trailer, trapping all four occupants.

Sims was reportedly the only Tuscaloosa native in the vehicle at the time of the crash, with the two other teenagers being from Marion and Montgomery.

As Patch previously reported, a prom night photo collage of the two teens posted by Sims to Facebook Friday night has been shared almost 15,000 times and has more than 18,000 reactions in the immediate aftermath of the fatal crash.

"Madison was a shining light to everyone she made contact with," Bryant High math teacher Malcolm Gross said in a statement released Sunday by the school. "Although she was quiet, her presence spoke volumes to her peers and adults alike. She will be missed dearly."

Bryant High Principal Lydia Edwards also said Sims will live on in the hearts she left behind.

"She was a sweet and quiet student in our building," Edwards said. "Madison knew the power of having strong friendships, and she loved wholeheartedly all who entered her friend circle. Madison was very soft-spoken, and her soft smile was easily shared when she talked with peers and adults. While Madison is gone from us now, we will continue to hold her in our hearts forever. Our grieving families and Stampede nation need prayers for strength today and hope for tomorrow as we mourn the loss of our dear student, Madison."

R.C. Hatch also took to social media to grieve the loss of Brown, who played basketball and football and, as Patch previously reported, had posted to Facebook in January about his excitement for graduation.

"Praying for the family of Samuel Brown," the school said Saturday. "To say we will miss him would be an understatement."

Tuscaloosa City Schools spokeswoman Lydia Avant issued a statement Saturday saying that the TCS community is deeply saddened by the tragedy.

"This is a difficult time for our students, faculty and staff," she said. "On Monday, students will have access to counselors and social workers to help cope with this tragedy. We will continue to have counselors available to help our students in the coming days. Teachers and staff will have access to our Employee Assistance Program. We send our deepest sympathies to the families involved and ask that their privacy is respected during this difficult time."

Funeral arrangements for Sims and Brown have not been announced at this time.

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