BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. - It has been a difficult year for Ballston Spa students, first losing 17-year-old Noelle Johnson in January, and then 14-year-old Kari Liedel ten days ago.
Tuesday night, families of both victims came to the Milton Community Center in different grieving stages, but still trying to cope with very similar tragedies.
The mothers of Noelle Johnson and Kati Liedel found comfort in one another's arms, two women brought together by the tragedy of losing their daughters.
Noelle Johnson was killed in a car accident as a passenger, the driver pled guilty to criminally negligent homicide.
Melody Scaia says events like Tuesday night's have become her priority, to not only offer support to families like the Liedel's, but also educate teenagers on the dangers of drunk, reckless and distracted driving.
Heather Liedel, Kari Liedel's aunt, echoes similar sentiments. Liedel was struck and killed by a drunk driver while she was walking along West Milton Road.
Tuesday night, Heather Liedel sat with Kari's sister and best friend as they decorated flower pots in memory of the 14-year-old girl.
While the forum was meant to offer constructive ways to deal with grief, it also served as a reminder to teens that these tragedies can be prevented.
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