Community Mourns 17-Year-Old Killed In Hit-And-Run Crash

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL -- Guidance counselors were on hand Wednesday, April 25, to console shocked and grieving Mitchell High School students following the sudden death of their classmate, 17-year-old Lillia Grace Morris.

On Tuesday, April 24, Morris was driving through the intersection of State Road 54 and Duck Slough Boulevard when another car ran a red light and crashed into Morris' car. Morris died at the scene.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers say the driver of the car that ran the light, Brandon Casey Windom, 27, of Tampa, left the scene of the accident and was later arrested (see related story).

"Her smile and laugh was contagious to everyone," said classmate and friend Aidan Mccall. "She was a sweet, compassionate and loving person, but more importantly, she was a friend to everyone."

Mccall and other members of the Mitchell Health Occupations Student of America club are raising money for the Morris family through a GoFundMe page. So far, the page has raised more than $9,000 in 16 hours.

Condolences have been pouring in since yesterday when Morris' death was announced.

"Lillia was a friend to my daughter last year in class when she felt all alone," said Andrea Herrera. "She was a beautiful soul taken way too soon."

"Lillia was the kindest and most genuine soul, and she deserved so much more," said classmate Lexi Clark.

A graveside memorial service is scheduled for Friday, April 27 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Memorial Gardens,

12609 Memorial Drive, Trinity.

Afterward, there will be a gathering at 4 p.m. at Generations Christian Church, 1540 Little Road, Trinity, to celebrate the teen's life.

Images via Mitchell High School and Aidan Mccall