Driver, 16, Facing Charges After Early Morning Alcohol Related Crash

July 9, 2010

Three teens were involved in a single vehicle alcohol related accident early Friday morning at Highway 29 and Highway 97 in Molino, and the driver is facing multiple charges.

Ashton Vincent, 16, of Cantonment, was charged with having an unlawful breath-alcohol level for a minor (greater than .02), traveling too fast for conditions, reckless driving and violation of curfew restrictions after the 2:23 a.m. crash.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Vincent was traveling east on Crabtree Church Road  approaching Highway 97 at an apparent high rate of speed in a 2010 Dodge Challenger. She lost control, traveled through the parking lot of the Tom Thumb, hit large concrete sign, and overturned several times across two ditches and into the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 29. The vehicle landed upright in the intersection.

Vincent suffered minor injuries, as did her two passengers — Nicole Galletti, 16, of Pensacola, and Morgan White, 16, of Pensacola. All three were wearing their seat belts, according to the FHP.

Highway 97 and a portion of southbound Highway 29 were closed over an hour by the crash.

The Molino Station of Escambia Fire Rescue, Escambia County EMS, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the early morning crash.

Three teens were injured in this single vehicle alcohol related crash about 2:20 a.m. Friday at Highway 97 and Highway 29 in Molino. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.

Comments

178 Responses to “Driver, 16, Facing Charges After Early Morning Alcohol Related Crash”

  1. i love y'all on July 16th, 2010 9:16 pm

    I know that these ladies are going threw a lot and have a lot on there sholders there is know reason you should try too but more and more on , I belive they have learned a LIFE lessson and would always think twice about drinking . They are also very lucky that they walked out of it with minor injuries. It was a MISTAKE and everybody makes them not just teens . These teens right now need some positive in there life. God must have something in store for all of these girls too watch over them so much . The truth is the only person who knows the whole story is God . He was watching over these ladies && protected them . i love you ladies && Will always be there til the end . THICK && THIN (:

  2. David Huie Green on July 16th, 2010 10:08 am

    Nobody ever knows the WHOLE story, so I guess nobody should ever be allowed to express an opinion, not even the ones who insist others shouldn’t be allowed to express an opinion–after all, they don’t know the whole story either. Hasn’t stopped them so far, bless them.

  3. Worrriedd ! on July 16th, 2010 9:24 am

    These ladies know what they have done … There is know reason you should be sitting here bashing on them , dont you think there parents are already doing it . My brother dated Morgan and I love her withh all of my heart and I know her parents and they are so AMAZING . Yall need too chill out and live your own life , If you dont know the whole story then the best thing too do is just saty out of there business . And yes Teens will be teens I have not made it too my teen years but I will make a stupid mistake too. So please just keep your comments too your self . I love you girls and am happy god was watching over you … This will make teens think twice .

  4. David Huie Green on July 15th, 2010 1:36 am

    REGARDING:
    “She didn’t get a dui b/c she’s 16!!!!!!!! If you don’t know these girls or the parents personally, BACK OFF!!!!!!”

    Chill, child. It was a legitimate question. It wasn’t an attack. It was a question. People are allowed to ask pertinent questions, aren’t they?

    I didn’t know that particular law didn’t apply to sixteen year olds. Thank you for explaining to us.

    Still, it seems unlikely charges depend on who the parents are. One would think the facts would rule. Are you sure they didn’t?

    Why should you have to know the parents to wonder about the application of the law?

    David still glad they’re okay
    wondering at the bullying attitude
    of their defenders
    glad their parents still have their loved ones
    and nobody was hurt badly or killed

  5. ... on July 14th, 2010 8:27 pm

    Wow, I got to school with all 3 of them and all of them are very sweet and i cant believe this happened , But i guess they wont be driving around at 2 a.m anymore

  6. TJS on July 14th, 2010 4:49 pm

    she didnt get a dui b/c shes 16!!!!!!!! if you dont know these girls or the parents personally, BACK OFF!!!!!!

  7. horrific on July 14th, 2010 8:42 am

    I want know why this girl didn’t get a DUI /?

  8. . on July 14th, 2010 12:32 am

    I know Morgan and I know that she has a good head on her shoulders. All of these comments are pointless and don’t change the fact that they did what they did. Everyone needs to know that they learned their lesson and thanks God that they are ALL safe & alive. Honestly, this was a big eye opener for a lot of people and everyone needs to realize that people make mistakes and again, teenagers will be stupid. We all make mistakes but we learn from them in the end. The only thing we can do now is thank God that they are all safe and nobody was killed. I love you Morgan and I am glad that you are all safe.

  9. R on July 13th, 2010 11:45 pm

    can EVERYONE just be glad they are all safe?!

    i know Ashton and she is a great person overall.

    how about everyone put yourself in her(Ashtons) parents place. would you like for other “ADULTS” to be acting like High schoolers and judging your child if they DONT even know them personally?wouldn’t you just be glad your child is safe?cause i know i would. Aston & her parents are under ALOT of stress. so why post POINTLESS comments? how about you look at your own teen cause chances are they are doing the exact thing you guys are freaking out about.

    -thanks

  10. Sweetie on July 13th, 2010 2:29 pm

    I have read all 168 comments. To Ashton: I am glad that you are only having to take the “bashing” if you want to call it, some of the compassion and understanding from others, and still be able to be at home, safe. I know you were upset earlier when you commented on what you may or may not deserve. But I can’t help but think about the young man in prison for 15 years because he drank, drove, and killed. He has to live with that everyday and be in prison. So, you may want to think of these comments as velvet prison. You are getting the beating, the time, and the feeling, but at 16, you are too young to really realize the importance of what has happened here. I do agree with some of the others: this was not an accident, but a crime.

  11. mamaof3 on July 13th, 2010 2:25 pm

    Each of you “adults” commenting, appauled that these girls were out past curfew, driving wrecklessly, etc should take a step back and try to remember being a teenager. I can’t imagine your childhood was devoid of any poor decsions! The girls involved in this accident sound more mature than all of you! My oldest daughter is friends with all 3 of these girls, and while I only know one family personally, I can tell you that they are some of the most attentive parents I know. Please don’t lie to yourselves by thinking the parents are the cause of this. Just like you have choices to make every single day, so do teenagers. The girls have all admitted this was a poor choice & want to move on and learn from it.. Now would you all stop pouring salt on their wounds & let them heal for crying out out!!? How about taking all this negative energy & turning it into something positive. Use this to talk to your own kids (who I know you think would NEVER make a mistake), educate them on how quickly accidents can happen. Pray for these girls and their families who are beating themselves up enough without help from you! And those of you who think kids don’t find a way around parent’s rules…Maybe you should also use this to educate yourselves.

  12. Hopeful on July 13th, 2010 8:20 am

    Sometimes you dont realize how great life is until you have something like this happen…. and I hope this is their wake up call to straighten their life up Im not saying that quit having fun you can have the time of you life not drinking… My uncle was involved in an accident a while back he had the nice car and everything you could want and one night of drinking and showing his friend how fast the car could go he hit someone and killed them… He is expected to get out in 2022. I dont think any family would want that… Hopefully these girls now realize what drinking and driving can do… it could have been worse and thank god it wasnt. Maybe these girls should take some of these comments and learn from them. My whole family is torn because of one mistake my uncle made and no it wasnt right and we know that he didnt intentionally hit that car but he did and now he has to live with that. And these girls have to live with this…. They are lucky to be with their family as we speak at least one can hope….

  13. CONCERNED on July 13th, 2010 1:25 am

    response to: MARY, ON JULY 11TH.
    your statement is ridiculous and rude. people make mistakes.. im sure you’ve made many. grow up she is probably not the only one that has been speeding down your road believe me. and there was no need for you to input that you will call the cops im sure she has learned a very big lesson no need to make anyone feel worse. AND to everyone elso on here making negative comments… i mean come on shes young, when your young you want to rebel, yeah its not always right but she isnt the only one. think back to the things you used to do!!!! everyone needs to just be glad no one was killed or seriously hurt. thats the important issue here

  14. Lindsay on July 13th, 2010 12:04 am

    Changing the driving age won’t do anything because inn case you didn’t know some of 16 yr olds are responsible and its not like “adults” don’t drive drunk too. and btw 17&18 yr olds drive drunk too! all 16 yr olds Shouldn’t be punished because of a few ppl and having a challenger or expensive car had nothing to do with it she could’ve had an older not so expensive car and it still could’ve happened leave her alone and stop slandering her its ridiculous ya’ll are being immature

  15. David Huie Green on July 12th, 2010 5:43 pm

    REGARDING:
    “we all need to stop the Witch Hunt or move to Salem, Mass.”

    I hope you understand there were no real witches in Salem (if any existed, they all moved to Boston) but the comments here are about real crimes and the real problems involved and the real dangers created by the attitude that nobody should be allowed to say it was a bad thing.

    One exception is that the driver is being accused of being drunk when the report only claims she was above the .02% blood alcohol content legal limit for DUI at her age. It doesn’t say how much above the legal .02% BAC limit she may have been but a number assume much higher when it could have been just .021% for all most of us know.

    Some think youngsters should only be given clunkers to drive since they are so likely to damage them. That’s just a consideration of the proper transportation. I favor as much padding as possible.

    I remember one lady writing elsewhere some years back about how her father insisted she be inside the closest thing to a tank he could find because he wanted to protect her. She cried because she wanted some cute little car and it was big and ugly.

    She forgave him later after surviving an accident. It also helped to find that having a larger car meant she could carry more people and things on outings. The dent from the wreck made her car even more popular since parents figured their kids were safe with her.

    David for driving a point home
    to the point of boredom
    if it saves a life or two

  16. David Huie Green on July 12th, 2010 5:23 pm

    or at least about him since he wasn’t responding to our words of concern

  17. nudo on July 12th, 2010 9:35 am

    There where plenty of comments to the Guy with his son in the vehicle.

  18. pm on July 11th, 2010 11:36 pm

    Trooper had it right – listen up – this is getting to the point of abuse of these girls – so we all agree they did something really wrong and they are paying for it. But, I did not see many comments about the guy in Century who go arrested for DUI with his 7 year old son int the car. Could he have killed the kid ?- YES. THank GOd he didn’t – If one of these girls had been killed most of you would be saying OH Lord pray for them – but they did not get killed and we all need to stop the Witch Hunt or move to Salem,Mass. The driver will face this event for the rest of her life and will have many regrets so Please Stop with the abuse. I don’t condone the action but to just keep pouring on the hurt is not helping. As far the car, I too would have and did give my kids the best and safest car I could afford – I drove the old one – Their lives always meant more to me than mine. So daddy could afford a Challenger – SO WHAT – some of the things you all are saying just sounds like petty jealousy and sour grapes. The families are suffering – Enough Already- Like one man said lets quit beating a dead horse. Love the sinner – Hate the sin. Right now this little girl needs our prayers and help – God has not died and left us in charge. Ashton I don’t know you but I don’t hate you – my kids made a lot of mistakes and did a lot of wrong things _ we all live in glass houses so stop with the rock throwing.

  19. Lindsay on July 11th, 2010 11:04 pm

    maybe all you hypocritical ppl should learn what YOUR kids do behind your back ashton’s taken full responsibility for her actions. all your doing Is making these girls miserable. what if it was your kid on here getting slandered? yeah the shoe would be on the other foot i’m sure they’ve learned their lesson and to say ashton deserved this Is completely ridiculous that’s like saying you deserve to get in a wreck. just stop slandering them ESPECIALLY if you don’t know them

  20. marie on July 11th, 2010 7:33 pm

    It is everyones business, She was on the road intoxicated, I would not want to be in her path. just as an adult I think it is totally wrong to drink and drive. If you want to put your life in danger that is one thing but you need to think about an innocent person that is sober behind the wheel and ends up dead because of a drunk or a careless teen who thinks they are invincible. I have looked at the video of that poor little girl Summer, and all the other innocent victims of drunk driving , It is heartbreaking. Why do people not think, because no one thinks when they are under the influence. It is a privilage to drive and people young and old she treat it that way. If she is sorry she needs to turn in the person who gave her the alcohol so they will not give it to some other teen driver,

  21. Jimmy williams on July 11th, 2010 5:44 pm

    And my last comment on this subject.
    How stupid were my parents? They let me drive their car instead of buying me one. 1 wreck and they would have had no way to get to work everyday. How irresponsible can parents be?

    Funny thing is we do for our kids what we can, what we have, and what we think they deserve. Still can’t figure out with all these great parents in this area according to this website how anything ever goes awry!!! Those that think they have the answers never do and those who think their kids mind all the time are mistaken.

  22. Jimmy williams on July 11th, 2010 5:19 pm

    John in molino thank you for being the good old fashioned parent. Remember you sleep and possibly work everyday. Oh yeah and 65% of all middle school kids who experience sex experience it at school when you are asleep after you ate that wonderful family dinner are your kids in their bed? You hope. You speak matter of factly and you are assuming a lot of people. I have employed kids age 16-23+ for the past 20 years probably about 1500-2000 total and it blows me away to hear the parents talk about their kids when they have no clue. In life we can only hope we have taught them to make good decisions we cannot make them for them. Our children decide every night whether to lay in bed or sneak out, drink a beer or not, or engage in sex. There are 24 hours everyday and 7 days in a week write down how many hours next week you have both eyes in your teen it will scare you to know how much free to decide time they really have. You assuming somebody was drunk was ignorant and incorrect. Again do some homework. Being misinformed an talking is worse than being ignorant. No DUI charge was given. But you know that already I am sure. Again I thank you for letting us know you must sleep with one eye open intheir same room with your kids. Weird but it works for
    you.

  23. nudo on July 11th, 2010 4:15 pm

    I’m going to go a little off topic.. I agree with some of you that the age of having a license should be raised to 17 or 18. Most 16 yro’s that I know even though some are smart and responsible when you think about the whole picture of driving and responsibility I can’t believe there behind the wheel of a vehicle. Scary!!

  24. V8Terror on July 11th, 2010 4:10 pm

    @ boyfreind

    When an intoxicated teenager barrels through a parking lot and flips her car into the middle of a highway…guess what? It becomes a very public matter.

    If it had happened at 2:30 in the afternoon, they probably would have never made it across the parking lot because there is always cars parking there.

    Want to know a great way to not have your affairs made public and posted on a public forum/site? You dont do things to draw attention to yourself…you dont break multiple laws such as these.

    Fly under the radar of the public eye..drive a tauris, stay sober, drive the speed limit…

  25. David Huie Green on July 11th, 2010 4:03 pm

    REGARDING:
    “(frequently) when more than two teenagers are driving together from point A to point B, there is a much greater chance that the attention to acute SAFE driving is diminished…of course, not always…..but, I do remember how it was when i was a teenager…very chatty…loud music…lots of joking around….not focused, really, on the extreme importance of attentive driving”

    That’s the way I remember it too. I even remember riders poking the driver to get him or her to look at something they just HAD to look at, rather than waste time watching the road. I know it sounds judgmental to say so, so I turned to an impartial source:

    From: http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/personal_injury/car/teen.html

    ‘Car accident teen crashes are also due to inexperience in operating a motor vehicle. [That’s why a learner’s permit allows new drivers to get driving experience with a terrified adult advising/gasping in terror dhg] New drivers do not have as much experience behind the wheel, especially in special driving conditions such as night driving, bad weather conditions, and dangerous road situations. [which is why there are limitations for beginners dhg] (82%) of all teen car accidents are caused by driver errors. This is a much higher percentage than for any other age group. [they are smarter and have faster reflexes but not yet used to the limitations of cars dhg] “

    “These car accidents are most likely to occur on a Friday or Saturday night (between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am) and involve multiple teens in a vehicle. . . . teenagers are more likely to take driving risks and less likely to take driving precautions [brava on the seat belts dhg]. This combination makes car accident teen cases more prevalent than any other type of accident.”

    David still glad nobody was killed
    either inside the car or outside in its path

  26. Big Daddy on July 11th, 2010 3:50 pm

    Remember,the ox is slow but the earth is patient.How long are we going to beat this dead horse!

  27. Stevie on July 11th, 2010 2:17 pm

    As I only know one of these girls personally I was very upset over what has happened. As Im reading everyone of these comments Im floored that everyones concerns are the type of car she was driving and the time of night it was. This accident could have happened with her driving some beat up honda and it could have been 2:30 in the afternoon. We let our children out of our site to go to a movie or to a friends house or whatever the case may be, and we as parents are to trust that they are telling the truth and will make good decisions. But., lets face reality people….. TEENAGERS LIE!! I know there’s a lot of self ritchous people out there that think their parenting skills are better than everyone elses and those are the folks that are blinded by reality. I am a mother of a teenage girl and I have been very blessed with what kind of young lady she has become. My daughter as well drives a so called ” 6 cyl HOT ROD”!

  28. Jennifer* on July 11th, 2010 2:02 pm

    To the person who said she deserves this…Honey, NOBODY deserves this, what should did wasnt right by no means BUT at least she is mature enough to FESS UP TO IT because most teenagers and some ADULTS wouldnt fess up to it at all but she is, she is taking responsibility for her actions, pretty brave, thats hard to do, taking responsibility for her and 2 lives she had in her hands…You and to anyone else who wants to say she deserves this…think twice before you say that because it could happen to you. It could have been you instead of Ashton..maybe not drinking and driving but speeding but it really doesnt have to be any of those 3…people get in car accidents EVERYDAY..people that wasnt speeding or drinking and driving. <>

  29. met on July 11th, 2010 1:23 pm

    Bummer, I wanted a car like this , but if it can’t handle this kind of driving ….I think I’ll buy a Vette

  30. nudo on July 11th, 2010 12:24 pm

    LOL at boyfriend…topical teenager who knows all.

  31. whatever on July 11th, 2010 12:14 pm

    Okay, all of this is dumb. Everything is an opinion. No matter what anyone says, its an opinion. I have my own, and I’m gonna think what I want to think no matter what. All of this arguing, bashing, and downtalking the kids& parents is getting you no where. They are alive, and really& truely, thats all that matters. If your saying something negative, its not helping anything. An opinion, is an opinion; and it’s not going to change what anyone thinks. Yeah, they made a mistake& shouldnt have done it. They know, & I’m sure that everyone saying bad stuff, isnt helping anything.

  32. Teen on July 11th, 2010 11:35 am

    Well I’m not going to sit here and read everything that everyone has posted, but I can only imagine what the comments say. I will say this though, I know teens drink, they shouldn’t, but it happens; it’s been going on since the dawn of time. What shouldn’t happen though is drinking and driving. That was a selfish move. She’s really lucky no one got killed. Image? If she was worried about her image, she should’ve thought about that before she got behind the wheel. At least her image problem is only temporary, and she won’t have to live with guilt of murder the rest of her life. Stop being stupid. You’re only 16. I know these girls think their some hot crap right now, but trust me…you’re just an underclassmen with a nice car…wait that HAD a nice car. Good luck.

  33. JUDY MASEK on July 11th, 2010 11:15 am

    heres a thought that i had….i am leaning towards the idea that (frequently) when more than two teenagers are driving together from point A to point B, there is a much greater chance that the attention to acute SAFE driving is dimminished…of course, not always…..but, i do remember how it was when i was a teenager…very chatty…loud music…lots of joking around….not focused, really, on the extreme importance of attentive driving…might be a good idea to think twice before letting your teens ride together w/a carload of kids…..just a thought, of course

  34. boyfriend on July 11th, 2010 10:59 am

    I am not defending these girls or saying what they did is ok. I think thats the worst excuse to say its cause we’re teenagers and it means you can’t take responsibility for your own actions. However, none of you have any right to bash these girls, its not your business, it doesn’t affect you in any way and I know you’ll respond to this saying that could have been someone I know killed, but it wasn’t! Nobody was hurt other than these girls and you’ll also respond with saying you’re trying to mae sure they don’t do it again, but I’ve talked to all three of these girls and they all feel HORRIBLE. All your comments do is annoy them and really aren’t making them think about what they did. That’s only going to happen if the peope who care about them and love them talk to them. It really bothers me that such mature older people like yourselves feel that what you’re doing is ok. Once again I’m not saying what they did is right, but you have no business telling them how awful they are and how Ashton didn’t deserve that car. I know her grandparents and she is NOT off the hook and getting a brand new car and I’m sorry that there of those of you who are unable to afford the luxuries of buying a new car for your children, but there is no reason to bash her grandparents for a decision they made. You have no idea what kind of person she may be and unless you want to help her and protect others by focusing on the fact that now they are able to help out in the community and hopefully change lives and stop drunk driving please stop bashing them. THERE IS NO POINT. All it does is annoy them and help you vent your anger and take it out on these 16 year old girls. I find that very immature. Pray before you post anything on this sight that God will give you the wisdom and words to help others instead of just hurt these girls. Thank you

  35. lil bit on July 11th, 2010 10:56 am

    In my last comment I meant 2 say thanks 2 tina for going 2 summers myspace….I said tammy by mistake

  36. lil bit on July 11th, 2010 10:24 am

    Thanks David Huie Green and tammy for going to summers page!! It means a lot 2 me

  37. V8Terror on July 11th, 2010 10:15 am

    Actually..getting a brand new showroom fresh Challenger, then flipping it a week later because you were up past curfew, driving drunk, speedign ,etc…is pretty much the definition of spoiled.

    Work hard to afford a 30,000 dollar car, you take better care of it..all those hours of work flash through your mind when you do risky stuff….and you may back down.

    When I went to Tate, I knew a girl that her parents gave her a really really nice new car…and she proceeded to flip it shortly there-after on Tate-rd. because she was going about double the speed limit around “That” curve.

    My Sophmore year we had a freshman that was getting a ride home from school get killed when the driver was driving wrecklessly and roled the car. He was thrown out the broken back window and the car ladned on top of him…

    I say…raise driving age to 18.

    Any minor caught with alcohol, automatic 1 week in jail.
    Any DRIVER 9minor or adult) caught DUI….automatic 1 month in jail.

    We will need to bu ild more facilities to house the offenders…but I think it would help a major problem.

  38. Tina on July 11th, 2010 9:40 am

    To ALL of YOU who are not happy with the negative, bashing and accusing comments on here, I have a great idea.
    If you are one of the ones who don’t think that this was such a big deal, that they were “JUST BEING KIDS” , & “making mistakes” why not let these “kids” use your road to be kids and put YOUR kids out to play.
    “ASHTON” should be made to watch 100’s of video’s like this :
    http://www.myspace.com/4ever8oursummerangel
    for those of you not happy with the Ashton bashing

  39. Tammie on July 11th, 2010 9:24 am

    Sounds to me like that vehicle (built wise) was a pretty good choice. I’m not sure I would have survived this wreck in my Camry!

    To the parents… As a parent of a teenager, I sure do hate what you are going through! I cannot imagine what that phone call would be like. I hope I never have to find out. It will time to recover from all the lessons learned on this….. but what don’t kill us makes us stronger! God Bless!

  40. David Huie Green on July 11th, 2010 8:57 am

    lil bit, I went to http://www.myspace.com/4ever8oursummerangel

    sad

    Regarding purchase of a new car for a young driver:

    The latest cars have the latest safety features. Thus, if you’re going to wreck one, it’s best to be wrecking the latest model. They’re expensive, but so is replacing children. You wish they wouldn’t try to justify wrong as if they will continue because they are still too young to do right, but you still want them alive when it’s over–preferably without killing anyone else too.

  41. Layla on July 11th, 2010 8:10 am

    I think that just by the fact the any 16 year old would have a brand new Challenger shows exactly what type of judgement (or lack of judgement, probably more correct) their parents have. Seems like they are probably more interested in appearance, or pleasing their child, that common sense. No way is ANY 16 year old mature enough to have this type of vehicle. The experience needed behind the wheel is simply not possible.
    This wasn’t a mistake…this was a serious lack of foresight. Teens will always have someone else to blame. In about 20 years when their own children are this age is when the little light bulb will fire up.
    This particular driver should be charged to the full extent of the law without any special considerations. It would not only be viewed as an example to other teens but hopefully it would keep at least 3 of them from repeating this major error in judgement.
    None of the children commenting on here really understand the point most posters are trying to convey. There is a powerful lesson everyone needs to learn, and it is how your own actions affect others. It can be a positive or a negative, you have to choose your own path. (the butterfly effect)
    No one has mentioned insurance. This type of behaviour is what allows auto insurance companies to charge outlandish dollar amounts to the average ‘defensive’ driver. So, this does affect us all in some way (the butterfly effect). I will be interested to see how this plays out for all involved.

    Good luck, learn your lessons well, stay positive. ‘This too, shall pass’

  42. Trooper2964 on July 11th, 2010 6:53 am

    I hope and pray that the appropriate lesson has been learned by everyone concerned. The same applies to each one who reads of these events and views the pictures that capture the aftermath of a potentially deadly crash. Time will tell if those directly involved will apply those lessons in the future. As for the rest of us, learning from your own mistakes is good, learning from the mistakes of others is even better. Ashton, Morgan, and Nicole, you seemed like mature young ladies to me when I spoke with you on Friday morning. Ashton, with your honesty and cooperation, you showed more maturity than many adults with whom I have dealt. Obviously, consequences are still in place. I hope that you accept them with the same maturity that I witnessed on Friday morning. To the three of you, please use this experience to not only better yourselves, but use it to prevent a tragedy for another young person in the future. Best of luck to the three of you. I am thankful that each one of you walked away from this crash without serious injuries.

    Just in case anyone reading this thinks that I in any way minimizing reckless behavior by referring to it as a “mistake,” you could not be more wrong. I am glad that there are so many people who are outraged when alcohol plays a factor in a traffic crash. I do believe that some of the anger was conveyed in poor taste. However, I would hope that we would all stay angry enough that we would seek to do all in our power to eliminate drug and alcohol impaired driving from our community.

    Finally, there was another factor in this crash. All to often, people speed and think that they are committing an innocent little error. Remember, speed kills as well. I trust that all of the adults could take a lesson from this. Next time you push that right foot down a little too hard or drive aggressively, think about the consequences. You can choose to speed, you cannot always choose the outcome. It could be as painless as a 300 dollar citation. It could be as painful as your family going through life without you or someone else’s loved ones going through life without them.

  43. mary on July 11th, 2010 6:02 am

    Hey Ashton..you really dont deserve anything(my opinion) getting in a wreck when your 16 & drinking..thats the least of it..you should have been arrested..I live on sunshine hill rd…& if you would have been driving like that by my house you could have hit my dogs & if it was during daytime you could have hit my kid….& then you would get “THE WRATH OF MARY” !!! Let me know what kind of car mommy & daddy buy you next so i can be on the look out!!! you were acting STUPID & you cant fix stupid!!! STAY AWAY FROM MY RD & MY HOUSE..I’ll call the cops before you get in another wreck .

  44. lil bit on July 11th, 2010 3:12 am

    Thanks Mrs. Johnson for taking time 2 look at summers myspace and yes you can find videos on youtube about her and facebook also!! Summer 4 ever 8….she is so missed and loved!!

  45. Mrs. Johnson on July 11th, 2010 2:32 am

    I am so tired of looking on here or in the newspapre and seeing an article about drinking while driving.
    Maybe looking at this website you can also find it in other places like youtube

    http://www.myspace.com/4ever8oursummerangel

    If everyone could see this page and watch the videos maybe you’d think twice before getting in a vehicle after drinking
    p.s. If you wanna flippin drink find someone who hasnt been drinking DRIVE!!!!!
    Ive lost way to many people i care about due to stupidity of DRUNK DRIVING!!!!!

  46. THS on July 10th, 2010 11:55 pm

    All you people are doing is kicking them while they are already down with your negative comments. They are VERY aware they made a mistake and are regretful for what happened. I think we have all learned a great lesson here and yes teenagers will be teenagers and i know it’s NO excuse for what happened but maybe we should be more concerned with the fact that they are okay and not dead instead of sitting here and talking trash about there parents and gardians and bring them down even more. Just because she got a new challenger does not mean she is some spoiled little girl. Most of you don’t know these girls , their families, or half of what they are going through right now so if all you an do is be negative take it somewhere else cause no one wants to hear it.

    And for the adults that have something to say about the fact that teenagers should’nt be allowed to comment or whatever , just shut up because all that you adults are doing is arguing with each other and bringing ashton , morgan , and nichole more heartache by pointing out every mistake they made that night. I’m sure the girls and their families are going through enough right now and they don’t need your negative attitudes like this. It is really not needed. Hope y’all learned a lesson and i’m sure you did. I’m happy y’all are alive and safe and i pray this does’nt happen to any one else.

  47. Old Man Logan on July 10th, 2010 11:48 pm

    My last comment on this: those of you that are defending this girl…I pray to God you never lose a loved one to a drunk driver, regardless if it’s a teen or adult. If you ever do, I promise you, you’ll see why so many are so outraged about a teenager speeding and driving drunk at 2:30 in the morning, esp. considering the number of drunk driving fatalities we’ve had in this area in recent years. If that was your mother, father, best friend, sibling, ect. that she could’ve hit and killed, I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t be defending her then.

  48. parker leigh on July 10th, 2010 11:46 pm

    okay look, Morgan is one of best friends and I know her parents are strict, I was with her and Nicole today and they both feel horrible, so can everyone just lay off all the mean comments and give it a rest! The girls all feel horrible for it, and it was an accident, they didnt mean for this to happen. Crap happens, and everyone has done something stupid in their lives. And by the way for all you jerks, ,their parents do care but they are all just glad that their children are alive! Their parents give each kid what they deserve, reward or punishment but trust me thy always get what thy deserve.. These girls are already hurt and all of yall’s mean and hurtful comments are just making them feel worse.. SO LAY OFF! Yes, they shouldnt have been drinking and speeding and everything but oh well, its done and over with. The girls have learned their lesson and won’t do it again. And for you whoever said Ashton deserves to get in a wreck because she got a brand new car as a 16 year old, you have some serious issues, thats a horrible thing to say about someone. And for all you idiots who are saying their parents are bad parents, NEWS FLASH! they are nowhere near bad parents, they all love and care about their children very very much, they can’t be all knowing about their children, no parent knows everything about their kid, where they’re at, with who and doing what and if you do then dang i feel sorry for your kid cause they have no dang life! Get off their parents back, trust me they feel bad enough, why can’t everyone just be glad that these girls are alive and that no one else got hurt.. I LOVE YOU GIRLS TO DEATH (:
    don’t let these stupid people get to you, they just love to criticize people and make them feel like crap. your girls all learned from your mistake. tomorrow is a brand new day so ignore all the comments that people leave. We know the full story and thats all that matters!

  49. JohnMolino on July 10th, 2010 9:54 pm

    @boyfriend
    Well well well… If it’s not the boyfriend showing up. Imagine that.
    I bet your girlfriends father is just tickled pink with you.
    So we don’t know everything? Nope. Probably right on that one. Facts in the case pretty much speak for themselves. Some here were wondering how 16 year old underaged girls get alcohol and liquored up at 2:30 in the AM.
    We were all left in the dark before you decided to join us.

  50. Elmer Fudd on July 10th, 2010 9:52 pm

    Jennifer, we are talking about a stupid decision here, not a mistake. Above all, we are talking about it because it was only by God’s will that nobody was killed. By the way, if they were 10 years older, I would be much more harsh on them, I think any adult that gets caught drinking and driving should lose their drivers license for life. It could be you or me that the next drunk kills. Boyfriend, maybe one point in these comments will stick with them for several years. As for it’s nobody else’s business, I have a nephew that comes through here 5 days a week, and sometimes stops at this store about this time on his way to work. He has a wife and a 2 year old, if he had been in the parking lot out of his truck, and killed as a result of this, yeah, then it would be a lot more my business, I have a lawyer that would be pushing for vehicular homicide charges just as hard as possible. As for “the car!” most teenagers don’t drink, only the stupid ones. As far as I’m concerned, anyone that gives alcohol to a 16 year old, the death penalty wouldn’t be to much for that stupid idiot, I hope the one that gave it to these girls is reading this.

  51. Old Man Logan on July 10th, 2010 9:28 pm

    V8Terror gets it. And Jennifer, you say these girls are very mature for their age??? Umm…….yeah….driving drunk at 2am and only 16 is VERY mature. The fact that you even made a comment like that shows that you have a lot more maturing to do yourself.

  52. the car! on July 10th, 2010 8:54 pm

    i can’t believe they would do this to this car..
    i mean its a CHALLENGER!

    by the way:
    teenagers drink. Most do. they always have. and always will. just some are more responsible with it. [as much as a teenager can be responsible with alcohol when they manage to get it]

  53. V8Terror on July 10th, 2010 8:39 pm

    Adults do often make poor decisions, many drink and drive…however, these are adults that legally purchase alcohol, and make the decision to drive drunk….

    This is a situation where a minor acquired alcohol illegally, consumed it illegally, got behind the wheel after curfew, and drove under the influence, illegally…then had a wreck as a result of all of this.. And I dont mean hit a tree…or went off the road. The car rolled a few times into the middle of Hwy. 29.

    Adults are held accountable, and criticized for poor decisions….so for making adult decisions, I only hope the punishment in this case is on par with an adult crime.

  54. Jennifer* on July 10th, 2010 8:31 pm

    I am only 20 years old but this is rediculous that people are bashing these girls like this. I dont agree with drinking and driving at all BUT there are many ADULTS older then 20 that have car accidents WORSE then this ok so dont say its because they are TEENAGERS when ADULTS make the same mistake. Your just saying these things because they are so young. They made a mistake, havent we all? There going to learn from this. Me, my cousin and boyfriend past this accident the night it happened going to the Tom Thumb. It was scary to see and no, I dont know these girls but I have prayed for them SO MUCH since that night <<>> you WILL get threw this…GOD NEVER PUTS ANYTHING ON YOU THATS MORE THEN YOU CAN HANDLE…In the end things will work out and you will look back on this with lessons learned and maturity. I think all 3 of you are very mature for your age and handling this well under these conditions.

    EVERYONE ELSE….STOPPP JUDGING THESE GIRLS, its NOT YOUR PLACE.

  55. V8Terror on July 10th, 2010 8:27 pm

    To: boyfreind.

    We can only go by what we are given as far as info goes on here…if you know something to the contrary, by all means feel free to enlighten us!

    I mean, have fun trying to justify any reason at all for 3 16 year old girls to be driving past curfew, with the 16 year old driver being intoxicated…and for them to be driving at escessive speed…

    Again, let me reiterate..

    Drinking @ 16 years of age
    Driving past Curfew
    Driving wrecklessly
    Driving under the Influence of Alcohol

    This is what we KNOW up to this point…so please, please by all means inform us of any conditions that exist..even something bizzarre and off the wall, where doing what was done, is in any way shape or form considered acceptable.

  56. wow... on July 10th, 2010 8:18 pm

    Well I don’t know any of the girls…….what they did is wrong and I hope they learn from this before it is 2 late!!! Ashton I ask you to please look at summers link on here and share with your friends…..our summer is 4 ever 8 due to a drunk driver!!

  57. S.L.B on July 10th, 2010 8:02 pm

    I’ve read many post on here that says possibly this situation will be a lesson to other teen-ages and make them stop and think twice before doing the same thing.

    I really hope so, but seriously doubt it ! All the accidents that involved underage drinking and driving this year and years past didn’t prevent these three girls from getting in the car and doing the same thing, so that mindset isn’t a sure thing.

    People are venting on here about this situation, because it gives people a place to voice their frustrations, concerns and frankly their fears about decisions stupid people make (young or old) that could endanger or kill themselves or someone they love. Every decision we make in life has consequences, and whether you make the right ones or not, you still have to own them, accept and live with them.

    Teen-agers: be young, be silly, be crazy, but please…be smart and ask yourselves if what your about to do is legal and safe and how it will affect your parents. Think about someone else other than just yourselves!

  58. Old Man Logan on July 10th, 2010 7:25 pm

    I find the comments defending these drunk teams amusing. For one, they are lucky they didn’t get killed. They are lucky they didn’t kill someone else. The fact that a 16 year old is out at 2am, drunk and driving a car that has 250 horsepower (not a Hemi, but still VERY fast) makes me think that the parents treat them with kid gloves, just like some of you on here are. I can’t get too mad at the teens defending them…..they are too young and don’t know any better. But as someone who has lost a loved one to a drunk driver, I wish the driver of this car would get punished to the full extent of the law, and her parents as well. The “teens will be teens” crap…tell that to someone who has lost a loved one to a teen drunk driver. Treat a girl like this with kid gloves…it’ll only be a matter of time before we read about her in a drunk driving accident again. Only next time, she might kill herself, or worse, a innocent person who was unfortunate to be sharing the road with her.

  59. Ashton on July 10th, 2010 7:10 pm

    >>>> & NOW i read that she just got the car last week..yeah she deserved that!!

    Excuse me? I deserved what?!?! to get in a wreck?!?!? Are you serious?

  60. William on July 10th, 2010 5:33 pm

    efu wrote:

    > I wanna know how come these girls/ MINORS names are allowed to be published in this public article without any consent from any parents or guardians. I’ve read all the other articles about other minors and no names were involved..

    Their names were published because they were in a press release issued by the Florida Highway Patrol. The names of persons involved in an accident are public record regardless of age; parental consent does not matter.

    The press release was emailed to pretty much every newspaper, radio station (that does news) and television station on the Gulf Coast. That’s why their names were also published by the Pensacola News Journal and the Northwest Florida Daily news as well. If the oil spill did not dominate the TV news these days, they would have been on all the TV stations too.

    Sometimes we use the names of minors and sometimes we do not; it depends on a set of guidelines we follow. However, we always use the names of minors that are included in press releases from the FHP.

  61. marie on July 10th, 2010 5:14 pm

    WELL WHEN i WAS SIXTEEN I DID NOT HAVE A CAR, I USED MY TWO FEET TO GET FROM SCHOOL, WORK AND ANYWHERE ELSE I HAD TO GO. KIDS THESE DAYS ARE SPOILED THEY DO NOT KNOW THE HARDSHIP OF LIFE. I DID NOT HAVE MOM AND DAD TO HAND ME THINGS . AND IF I WERE OUT PAST NINE AT SIXTEEN I WOULD HAVE A BEAT BUTT. I AM GLAD I WAS RAISED BY A STRICT PARENT MY MOM. I DID NOT DRIVE UNTIL I WAS TWENTYONE AND I PAID FOR MY FIRST CAR BY WORKING. SO DO NOT SAY IT IS A TEEN THING NOT LL TEENS ARE REBELLING THINGS JUST COME TOO EASY THESE DAYS. GOD WAS WITH THEM AND HOPEFULLY THIS GIRL HAS LEARNED HER LESSON.

  62. boyfriend on July 10th, 2010 3:52 pm

    Also, not a single one of you knows the whole story and you really are hurting these girls with your comments. Your comments aren’t necessary and I think everything bad about them that could be said already has been said. I promise they feel bad without your comments. I was one of the first at the wreck at 2:40 am and didn’t leave my girlfriend until late that night. She is in so much pain and feels horrible about this as do the other two girls. Please just stop saying things that you truly know nothing about other than what this article has mentioned but there Is so much left unsaid.

  63. efu on July 10th, 2010 3:37 pm

    I wanna know how come these girls/ MINORS names are allowed to be published in this public article without any consent from any parents or guardians. I’ve read all the other articles about other minors and no names were involved..

  64. Big Daddy on July 10th, 2010 3:21 pm

    Listen girls, everyone knows that you didn’t have this wreck on purpose.You didn’t wan’t this to happen.But you’re young and made some bad decisions.Now it’s time to cowboy up,and grow a thick hide.You are going to be listening to this lesson for a long time to come.Just remember you need to be proactive,talk to other teens,and be leaders against this type of behavior.Remember there’s no substitute for experience.Thank the Lord you survived it ,now your going to have to step up.

  65. mary on July 10th, 2010 3:16 pm

    & NOW i read that she just got the car last week..yeah she deserved that!! GEEZ….out of all 4 of mu kids..never did they get a new car @ 16…thier 1st car was something they worked for & paid for…a used car…But I bet they are out looking a new cars today!!!!

  66. boyfriend on July 10th, 2010 2:53 pm

    I know that Morgan’s parents are very strict and concerned with her well being. She is taken care of and her parents give her what she deserves whether it be punishment or rewards. Morgan’s nor Ashton’s parents knew that these girls were out because they wereat a friend’s house. Of course the parents cannot be constantly on top of their children’s lives and that is completely irrational to think differently. Now one of these girls means the world to me and I am SO thankful that she is still alive and I’m thankful for my friends’ lives as well. I can promise you from speaking to all three of them that they have learned a lesson and each of them feel aeful and are In so much pain. I honestly do not see the point in judging these girls whether or not you made bad decisions in high school or not. It’s really nobody else’s business what you think about this. So before you comment on how terrible these girls are please think about how you may be affecting others whom you don’t even know. I’ve prayed and thanked God for their lives and I wish others would do the same for these girls instead of bashing them.

  67. JohnMolino on July 10th, 2010 2:51 pm

    @Tracey Johnson
    Monitored closely?
    At 2:30am?
    Really?
    What great News!
    This 16 year old girl was not alone in the car, she was with two of her friends who she almost killed. I suppose it was all just random happenstance all three ended up in a speeding out of control car under the influence of alcohol at 2:30 in the morning that barreled through the tom thumb gas station ending up on Hwy 29 dented up like a soda can?

    Parents have no control over that sort of thing?
    Good parenting means not knowing where your kids are and what they are doing at Two Freaking Thirty in the wee hours of the morning? Is that what I’m reading?
    In today’s world, nobody wants to take responsibility for their own actions.
    It’s always someones else’s fault.

    Anyone can be a mom or a dad. That’s the easy part.
    Being a Parent,? Not so easy
    The parents of these kids are dang lucky they didn’t have to pass a parents test and get a license.

  68. Tracey Johnson on July 10th, 2010 1:18 pm

    I know it is very easy to blame the parents for the actions of thier teens. But let me just give you some in sight into the parents/ grandparents of Morgan and Ashton. Thier parents/grandparents are very strict and involved in thier childrens lives. Thier families are at every event and meeting pertaining to the life of these girls. Yes , Ashton did get a new car, but I am sure her family felt that she had done something to deserve it. These girls are monitored very closely. The parents are doing a great job with these girls. I can almost positively say that neither one of these families knew that the girls were out at that time of night. I am sure the girls were spending the night with a friend and made a very poor judgement. I know that both the families make sure the girls are in the house, alarm on, at thier curfew time. Please don’t think poorly of these families, the girls will be learning thier lesson for a long time to come.

  69. Erin on July 10th, 2010 12:59 pm

    Drinking and driving is stupid regardless of age. Drinking when you JUST GOT OLD ENOUGH TO DRIVE and driving is the most ignorant thing I have ever heard of. Oh, and ‘btw’ Lindsey, if the PEOPLE WHO ARE IN CHARGE OF APPROVING THE COMMENTS thought we were bashing, they wouldn’t put them on here. Trust me. Good to see you know what authority is. Miss Intelligent Teenager.

  70. emjay on July 10th, 2010 12:10 pm

    Wow. A lot has been said, but for anyone (young or old) who believes it is some sort of rite of passage to be “young and stupid,” think of this. Way too often, I hear about people excusing themselves and others for making poor decisions in the name of “being young” and “you gotta live and learn.” There’s a little bit of truth in it, but poor decisions should not be excused and sought out as if there is some magical “to-do” list of mistakes to be made. It seems people want to “try” to make every mistake they can while growing up and just see if they’re lucky enough to come out the other end alive years later. I’ve made my share of poor decisions, but I’ve also had to look at the unfortunate reality of others’ mistakes to also learn what not to do. I wish people didn’t feel they had to check off things like “pot – tried it, drive drunk – did it, went racing around a dark curve at night – check, etc” Highly risky behavior is NOT a rite of passage, nor is it a requirement for adulthood and to “know better.”

    In short, I often think of a saying I heard – “There is not enough time in a lifetime to make every mistake yourself” and hence we have to learn from others.

    I am glad these girls are okay and that they made one responsible decision (seat belts) out of a series of poor decisions, and that no one else was seriously hurt or killed. I’m sure they realize what a MIRACLE it was it turned out this way and how there was only a very very slim chance of this result happening. It’s a shame other teens and people in the community have to be personally affected by this to think twice in their own actions, but if it saves someone else, great. I just wish more ADULTS would be as sensitive to the “what could of happened”s to NOT drink and drive, or speed, or drive otherwise impaired and to wear their seat belts.

    I am glad these girls are taking responsibility and I am totally ANGERED at whoever made it possible for them to get alcohol.

  71. marie on July 10th, 2010 11:34 am

    First of all where did she get the alcohol? This is so common that these underage kids and that is what they are, always manage to get some stupid adult to contribute to this problem, they need to be locked up for ruining our young society. Why was she in a car that most adults cannot handle let alone an inexperienced driver, A challenger come on too much power for a young person to handle. Glad that she will be going back to school this year instead of the morgue, Adults think before you give these kids alcohol you are a disgrace to society..

  72. TYLER SOLES on July 10th, 2010 10:33 am

    Ok, there’s no parent that allows their 16 year old out at that time of night but we don’t always listen to our parents, we make mistakes. In my opinion, that car was big enough to protect them. Those seat belts and that car is what saved their lives. People need to think about what is was like when they were teens and quit blaming the parents and the fact that she has a car with so much horse power because I have an 02 pontiac firebird, it does not mean anything. Blaming the parents for our actions isn’t fair to our parents and doesn’t teach us the consiquences for our actions! We have to teach ourselves lessons.

  73. nudo on July 10th, 2010 8:14 am

    Yes Lindsey, anyone who has been written about on this site for DUI or anything else that in your words “made a stupid mistake” all have gotten the same comments posted about them. Regardless of age.

  74. Northender43 on July 10th, 2010 8:02 am

    Hey Kids!!! No one hear is saying that they never made mistakes as a teenager. I made plenty of mistakes … I drank, stole a car from my parents, and other things… but the one thing that I NEVER did was drink and drive or let anyone else drink and drive… I thought about what might happen if I did. ALL that we ask of you is to THINK before you do something. THINK long and hard about it. These young ladies were very luck (as was I when I stole my parents car and wrecked it with another person in the car with me). As teenagers we ALL thought that we that nothing could happen to us… but things do and people are killed or hurt.

  75. SW on July 10th, 2010 8:00 am

    I don’t see “No Bashing” anywhere on here.

    I love the defense of ’shift the blame’, i.e., “You done it when you were young”, “Young people rebel.” Really? Maybe we did, maybe we didn’t. Maybe we got in trouble, maybe we didn’t. Maybe bad things happened, maybe they didn’t. That doesn’t give you the excuse to do it, does it? Really? That’s it? Instead of stepping up and accepting responsibility. Yeah, we all ‘mess up’, but sometimes that ‘mess up’ is compounded by inexperience, alcohol, horsepower, and distractions. This is not a new problem, young people have been getting in wrecks, and getting hurt or killed for generations; often alcohol and horsepower were involved.

    I’ll bash anyone who drinks and drives-old or young. I’ve arrested many of both and I’ve worked wrecks involving both; some fatalities, some not.

    Young people aren’t experienced enough to drive well-add a fast car and alcohol and the odds get ugly. The curfew is there for many reasons. Alcohol consumption and purchase laws are there for a reason. Driver’s license age limits are there for a reason. The reason is-if you can’t tell already-to allow young people to live to become mature enough to make good decisions as adults.

    Now, having said that, these young ladies aren’t bad people because they made a series of bad decisions; the parents are, indeed, responsible for the actions of their minor children. I’m not judging the quality of parenting here, either; bad parenting(?), inattentive parenting(?), condescending parenting(?), good parenting(?)…who knows? Good parents have bad kids; bad parents have good kids, good parents have good kids, and bad parents have good kids…. However, making bad decisions repeatedly makes bad people-period. Hopefully, these young people won’t make repeated bad decisions; maybe their friends will see the education. Wow! What a good that could come from this bad!

    There were no accidents or mistakes here. Each decision was made consciously and deliberately-albeit alcohol may have affected those decisions (oops, another decision).

    Thankfully, all have a chance to learn from these bad decisions. Unfortunately, people were injured, property was damaged, a beautiful new car was destroyed (bet she don’t get insurance for a while, even if she retains her license)-for no reason, whatsoever.

    Don’t defend or excuse them; there is no defense and there is no excuse. Pray for them.

  76. nudo on July 10th, 2010 7:51 am

    Hey Lindsey…its called freedom of speach. Maybe you heard of it.

  77. D on July 10th, 2010 7:43 am

    Just about every time I stop at a convenience store to get a coke or get gas or whatever, I see someone get in the driver’s seat of a car with a beer in a bag…as if we don’t know what they’re drinking. And the clerk places it in the bag for them knowing exactly what’s about to happen. I see it every day, it dissapoints me that our world is going to the dogs by way of alcohol, drugs, etc. I’m talking about grown men and women!! Several guys I work with have two or 3 beers on the way home every single day. I figured out a long time ago that I can’t say or do anything to stop it. One person can’t change the world. I don’t drink, never have and never will. But if I’m seeing this, I know our young people are. So, who’s responsible for teens drinking? Everyone, people need to be a better example. How many accidents is it gonna take to show these people what can happen when you drink and drive?

  78. thoughts on July 10th, 2010 7:16 am

    I am always shocked when the parties (and their families & friends) involved in legal matters vent on these posts. Do you not have lawyers who have told you not to talk? Putting things in print, on a public forum, when you are upset is not wise. A simple I’m sorry will suffice, if you feel you must say something. It is not time for you to correct everyone else – learn from your errors, and live your life well with this second chance God has given you.

  79. gawnhawm on July 10th, 2010 6:44 am

    Its good that no one was killed…severely or permanently injured…..when these girls get a little older everything will get better especially for Ashton. The bible says it so nicely ” IT WILL COME TO PASS ” and yes it will. It will be a story to tell her kids and grandchildren one day…they will all become the VOICE of experience. Still say they should have been home and in the bed like the rest of us !!!

  80. nicole on July 10th, 2010 3:15 am

    For all of you saying teens will be teens and accidents happen would you say the same thing if they had killed someone that morning? No!! And what an excuse she had problems at home so you come to a party get drunk and speed while I’m sure laughing blasting the radio saying let’s see how fast I can go well I hope other people will at least stay at home when their having problems!! Adults and teens…..

  81. Haley Thompson on July 10th, 2010 3:12 am

    JohnMolino-

    You seem to have the impression that your children never disobey. NEWS FLASH – you’re wrong. I know all three of these girls, and they are all wonderful. But, they are human. We’re teenagers – we ALL do stupid stuff & that’s just part of growing up. Not only has this had a great impact on Ashton, Nicole & Morgan but many others as well – I truely believe this will make teens think twice before getting behind the wheel & it will make me think twice before riding with somone who has been drinking.

    Ashton, Nicole, & Morgan – I look up to you guys, it’s takes alot to sit back an listen to people bash you for something you already know you did wrong. Yes, ya’ll messed up – but don’t we all? Hopefully this will make EVERYONE think twice about getting behind the wheel intoxicated. It takes alot to admit that you’re wrong and you guys did that. Ya’ll have been givin a second chance, don’t abuse it. I love you ladies & I am so glad everyone’s ok (:

  82. Tina on July 10th, 2010 2:52 am

    Sorry, NO pity party here for you!!

    YOU need to see this.

    http://www.myspace.com/4ever8oursummerangel

  83. Jackie Thompson on July 10th, 2010 2:51 am

    JohnMolino-

    By no means am I saying it’s okay to get behind the wheel when intoxicated. But, what I am saying is that TEENAGERS MAKE MISTAKES. These young ladies know what they did wrong, and from what they have written they have learned their lesson. So, instead of bashing them let’s be thankful that they are still alive. Hopefully, this will be an example to teenagers and make them think twice before drinking and driving!

    - Also, the type of car she was driving has nothing to do with this accident. Wether she was driving a Challenger or a Volvo she would have made the same decision.

  84. NJC on July 10th, 2010 2:15 am

    First off I’d like to thank God that these girls are alive, I know them all, and they are wonderful people and have been through a lot. Last year I was involved in an accident that took an older womans life. I was a passenger but it was still a HUGE wake up call. Right away you realize a lot and re prioritize your life. My 3 friends and I got slammed and slandered just like here on the local florida newspaper. Believe me It’s a lot easier to deal with without all of that, the courts and officers will judge enough why do people who have no relations to any of the passengers or driver feel the need to put 2 sense in when it isn’t asked for? Seriously… If you’re getting on here just to talk bs don’t post it, aren’t we taught to keep rude comments to our self? People say that the girls didn’t learn a lesson, obviously you haven’t either. But once again I love you girls and I’m glad everyone is alright! I just went to a dui related funeral 2 weeks ago. I don’t think I can handle anymore

  85. AL on July 10th, 2010 1:30 am

    I was coming to comment about how grateful I am that these kids are ok / alive, and that they didn’t kill anyone else. I was going to say “good job” for at least wearing seatbelts, and “I hope you take this lesson to heart and make some big changes in the way you make your decisions”

    Now I have to add:

    “Teenagers will be teenagers” – what exactly does that mean? I knew dozens of teens who grew up with me that a) didn’t drink b) if they did, they were smart enough to call home or a sober friend. I know dozens of teens now who refuse to drink because they know it is illegal, and they know it inhibits good decision making (ie: getting in the car with to drive or with another driver who has been drinking). So, no, dear ones – you cannot use the pat answer of “Teenagers will be teenagers” , that is a total copout. YOU are responsible for your decisions (as even the young ladies involved in this wreck have stated). It has nothing to do with your age and you will have to dig a little deeper for a better excuse.

  86. JUDY MASEK on July 10th, 2010 1:04 am

    personally, i do not believe that any of these fortunate young ladies will EVER do anything like this again…this event and the ramifications that will follow (for the girls AND their parents/guardians) are certain to be life changing for all….my famous saying to my kids: “theres a lesson in this”….and, im sure that all involved have learned something….as well too, for the other many young people/classmates who know them… BTW, for the most part, i thought that those fortunate young ladies’ comments, posted on here, were sincere, insightful and respectful.

  87. Lindsay ths 2012 on July 10th, 2010 12:47 am

    You guys think you can sit here and bash on teenagers because we’re vulnerable? you don’t even know any of these girls So they made a stupid decision i don’t see ya’ll bashing the”responsible adults” who get into wrecks or older drunk drivers give her a break ATLEAST they’re alive and that’s really all that matters ooh and btw its a good thing you guys can read because it says NO BASHING

  88. nudo on July 10th, 2010 12:05 am

    I just wanna know how and why there parents allow them to be out at 2:30. Nothing ever good happens that early…..

  89. nhs student on July 9th, 2010 11:20 pm

    damg they messed up that nice challenger

  90. V8Terror on July 9th, 2010 10:32 pm

    Also…for the record. As a MINOR, your actions are the responsibility of your parents. Therefore the burdon of the results of your actions fall on the shoulders of your parents.

    A mistake is when you do something on accident, you made the conscious decision to consume alcohol knowing you were a minor…then made the conscious decision to get behind the wheel of a car and drive. Then went as far as to speed in said car…

    Thats not a mistake, thats a series of crimes. A mistake is forgetting to buckle up one time, OR forgetting to put your gas cap back in after filling up..

    And I reserve the right to cast stones, because Ive never consumed any alcohol, and thus have never driven while intoxicated.

  91. Bob on July 9th, 2010 10:28 pm

    At 16 I asked my dad for a car. He said “Son When you get a job and pay for the car with your own money , you will appreciate much more than if I bought it for you”, It was true,and it still is, whats wrong with people?

  92. V8Terror on July 9th, 2010 10:25 pm

    Well, my parents bought me a red corvette when I turned 16, besides getting rearended a few times I drove that car for over 6 years and never got in an accident, never got pulled over. My parents taught me how to drive, how to behave, and blessed me with a really nice car to drive and told me if I messed it up I wouldnt be given anything to replace it. Yeah I did stupid stuff, but never in a manner that endangered anyone else…such as with a passenger or on a public road.

    As for drinking…whatever the penalty is for underaged drinking is, it isnt enough, obviously.

    A teen CAN drive a powerful sports car and not get in trouble…they can also wait till they are 21 to drink alcohol. However proper parenting is key…

  93. me on July 9th, 2010 10:23 pm

    Ref Jackie Thompson’s post: “Teens drive drunk everday and these girls just happened to suffer the consequences!” If you know this for a fact – that teens drive drunk everyday – may God help us all! And maybe you should report these teens!!

  94. me on July 9th, 2010 10:15 pm

    Maybe there should be an age limit on who could post comments on here. You can’t argue with kids. They know everything, geez. I am glad that everyone survived this accident. It could have been alot worse.

  95. Ashton on July 9th, 2010 10:11 pm

    I’ll admit , I did wrong and I accept my punishment in every way. I realize how much danger I put my bestfriends in .. all of you who look down on us (especially me) need to realize one thing.. EVERYBODY MAKES MISTAKES! And you know what?! .. MANY teenagers drink and drive, it just so happened that I was going way too fast under the wrong circumstances. And I shouldn’t have even drank in the first place. But, I don’t appreciate all the criticism and it’s a bit rediculous.. I’ve had enough. I wish more than anything that I could go back and do things differently, but I can’t.. And that’s life! I’ve caused alllllllot of heartache, pain, and humiliation to my friends, their family, and my family. And you don’t understand how bad I feel because of this. Do you honestly think I wanted to cause this hurt for everybody?!?! Absolutely not, but now it’s over and done with and I’ve learned that I can’t go back and fix things.. I wish more than anything I could but, I can’t. I’m just grateful none of us were seriously injured because I couldn’t live knowing that I was the cause of it. And just so EVERYONE knows….. IT WAS MY CHOICE TO DRINK AND DRIVE. NOT MY PARENTS, GUARDIANS, OR ANYONE ELSES. GET OVER YOURSELVES AND STOP BLAMING THEM FOR SOMETHING THEY HAD NO PART IN DOING. Please stop with all the judging. take a look at your child and find out what they really do before you go around criticizing everyone elses child!!!!!

  96. nicole on July 9th, 2010 10:08 pm

    i hope this girl does not get a new car and has a curfew after this so maybe next time shes out she doesnt kill my child or anyone elses she was very lucky this time but at 16 she probally will be scared for a while but will probally still party. fyi the speed limit out here in molino on these not very busy streets are low 45 mph not 65!! i think who ever supplied the alcohol should get into trouble and the parents have some parenting classes too. absolutely ridiculous this happened

  97. Elmer Fudd on July 9th, 2010 9:45 pm

    You don’t have to be DR PHIL to diagnose this problem. It’s in the headline, it’s TEENAGERS DRINKING ALCOHOL. If you don’t see that, then your the one with the problem. The nice car has nothing to do with it, it’s TEENAGERS DRINKING ALCOHOL in case you didn’t see it. Teens may drive drunk every day, but responsible teens don’t ever drive drunk, in fact responsible teens don’t drink at all. If your an adult that is in any way trying to make excuses for what these girls did, then unfortunately your not a responsible adult. I’m sure we all have one thing in common, we want to see not only these teens grow to become responsible and productive adults, but all teenagers to reach that point in their life. Maybe the comments here will cause these girls to understand the severity of what they did, sometimes a little embarrassment is a good thing.

  98. JohnMolino on July 9th, 2010 9:23 pm

    @Jackie Thompson
    …and those kids often end up as front page news. Using your logic and parental skills, I guess that’s okay. Crap happens. I would like to ask you as a parent to do me a favor,if I may…let me know when your kids are on the road driving, so mine are not.
    Color me old fashioned, but I want them to have a long and fruitful life. I enjoy every moment in life I have with them.

  99. Worried on July 9th, 2010 9:19 pm

    I know these girlls and it doesnt sound like them . Im just vry happy that these girls are still alive and are at home . It sure taught them a lesson . Im just happy god was watchingg over them , and blessed them with only minor injures . These girls have been threw alot the past year but they always remember they get threw it together . I love these girlls && and just pray that everything will be alright .

  100. Angi♥ on July 9th, 2010 9:17 pm

    I personally do not know these 3 teens, but the article does state that they were wearing their seatbelts {Bravo Girls, Good Thinking}. On the other hand you 3 made bad judgement by not obeying your parents and the law. I don’t know who supplied the alcohol for you 16 year old teens, but if you think they were your friend for getting it for you, then you’re dead wrong… They too should have known better than to distribute alcohol to minors, and then to let you all get into that vehicle and drive. I really don’t get the fact that the three teens were out at 2:23 a.m. and not at home in their beds.
    To survivor: I am proud of you for admitting that you girls chose bad judgement, and you realize what you three did was wrong. I am very thankful that things weren’t worse for all of you or for others. All of you could have been killed and/or others on the roads as well. I know all of you are teens and want to do the teen things, but please use better judgement and do what your suppose to do; it could save alot of lives and fines…

  101. JohnMolino on July 9th, 2010 9:15 pm

    Some of you people crack me up. Seriously good comedy in here.
    I don’t know her. I don’t know her parents. I have made mistakes in life.I’m no Mother Theresa. I am a parent to teenagers under 18. You are considered a child at 16. Parents need to reinforce that little tidbit of reality, and if they do not, it’s their fault their children wind up on the front page news.

    Being 16 years old at 2:30 in the morning under the influence of alcohol, driving and then crashing a motor vehicle with 2 other children passengers is NOT an Accident. It is a CRIME.

    Although accidents happen,crimes can be easily avoided.
    No one is fond of taking responsibility for his or her actions.
    When life’s bill for rent comes due, you better have something better to say then “It was an accident”.

  102. Jackie Thompson on July 9th, 2010 8:52 pm

    Everyone makes mistakes. These girls are friends of my daughters and from what she tells me they are very good girls. Teens drive drunk everday and these girls just happened to suffer the consequences! Hopefully, they will learn from this and use this experience to make better decisions in the future.

    It is truely a miracle that they all made it out alive!!

  103. Escambia Resident on July 9th, 2010 7:54 pm

    >Please understand that everyday the paper is filled with adults making bad decisions and somehow we never ask where the parents of these people are

    But the adults are responsible for their own actions. Parents or guardians are legally responsible for the actions of 16 year olds.

  104. Jimmy williams on July 9th, 2010 7:51 pm

    Please understand that everyday the paper is filled with adults making bad decisions and somehow we never ask where the parents of these people are. The fact is I know one of the kids and the parents and believe me parenting is not an issue in their case. They are parents and the kids are good kids. The problem is people somehow judge people by their actions from afar. Thank god you never got to see my parents correcting me. Then my parents would have went from “where are they” to ” they are trying to kill that kid” with the help of a belt. It is disgusting to see people use these outlets to somehow make themselves feel better at the expense of others. I will go on record lessons were learned and the funny thing is they learned more from this than the people who have commented on this site. Thank God they are safe and thank you for being DR PHIL. You have diagnosed this accident and it’s root problem in less than 12 hours and talked to no one. Why haven’t you plugged that oil leak yet oh mighty person of all knowledge.

  105. Jjones on July 9th, 2010 7:48 pm

    These girls are some of my friends also, and in defense of them all the adults need to relize that everyones not perfect and mistakes happen , just because she has a nice car doesn’t mean she wouldn’t have done the samethhing in another type of car , you don’t know her as an individual as of why she had the car . I know her pretty well and she does not act like a spoiled child and it’s not in anyones place to talk bad about her, && noone should say it’s the parents fault when y’all don’t know how they were raised . I love you girls & I’m glad y’all are safe !!

  106. disgusted on July 9th, 2010 7:45 pm

    I love how folks keep describing this as an “accident”. It was no accident that you drank alcohol. It was no accident that you were speeding. It was no accident that you lost control of your vehical as a result of drinking, driving and speeding. Enjoy the slap on the wrist that I’ll bet you get from juvie!

  107. Chumuckla proud on July 9th, 2010 7:42 pm

    Jessa….you are missing the point. I am sure every adult who commented here IS very thankful that these girls were not injured or killed in tihs accident. H-0-W-E-V-E-R…there WAS alcohol involved, this accident happened because alcohol was involved…these girls were breaking all the rules…they used very bad judgement. You reap what you sow, irregardless of whether you are a teenager or an adult. The law says you do not drink and drive. She broke the law. She went against everything she was taught. There is no good reason for her to be drinking and driving, irregardless of what her family situation may have been at home. That is not “a teen just being a teen”….a teenage girl “just being a teen” flirts or acts silly around a boy she may like, complains that she has nothing to wear, that she is too short, too tall, to fat, too skinny, not pretty enough, that her allowance is too small, etc., etc. A teenage girl is “not just being a teen” when she is out WAY past curfew, is drunk, is driving while intoxicated, is speeding, and risking the lives of two of her best friends and the lives of other motorists who may have been on the same road at the time of this accident.

  108. ~concerned parent~ on July 9th, 2010 7:39 pm

    OMG!!!??? wow,my comments have been told by everyone….there’s no comment i can make other than….1)my kids would not be out past 12 midnight…due to partying…(like this) they get into trouble past midnight,lol…and 2) it’s good 2 hear they wore their seat belts though…wow

  109. Spmommy on July 9th, 2010 7:34 pm

    I recently read that a new bill is about to come about and go out to each state about raising the driving age with a permit to 16 instead of 15 and then a real license to 18 instead of 16. I know that it’s been discussed in the past about how nice it is when kids get to HS and they can drive themselves to extra activities and not have to depend on parents anymore. However, this is a prime example of why an older teenager might be a better driver if they have to wait longer to get the real thing. As a parent of 2 children we have already discussed driving rules. 1. No other kids in your car. 2. No radio. 3. No phone calls or texting. If rules are broken then the car gets taken away. We have 2 children who will be driving in the future and if we have to drive them around till they are 18 then I’m all for it. Thank goodness these kids were ok:)

  110. mom of 5 on July 9th, 2010 7:23 pm

    Thank God, everyone is ok. People stop knocking the parent. You can teach your child the right way but it doesn’t mean they will do it, I know mine thought they were grown at the age of 16. Girls your life has been spared, God has a plan for you all and remember what your parents have taught you. Don’t let next time be your final time. My children tell me now and they are all over 20 they wish they had listened. My oldest daughter had one – up side a pine tree,, passsed out from the impact of the tree and her little sister was in there and she couldn’t fine her, she had go out of the car and was standing in the midlle of the road. when she woke up, she thought the car had fell on her. Don’t let anyone have to call your family.

  111. Chumuckla proud on July 9th, 2010 7:17 pm

    Well said John Molino.

  112. 6_teen on July 9th, 2010 7:13 pm

    um i know for a fact this was NOT an “accident”; an accident is a tree branch falling & killing you in your back yard. breaking curfew, DRINKING & DRIVING, & especially underage is noooo accident. i’m horribly sorry about what happened but you seriously do reap what you sow. you cannot simply say “teenagers will be teenagers” & “you have to be first young & stupid to be old & wise”. you can be young & smart too. I’m probably the only 16 yr old commenting this on the adult’s side but i really don’t care. i know all 3 girls, i’m friends with all 3 of them. underage drinking is not “cool” & i’m SO glad my parents established good morals in me. i know better to GET IN A CAR WITH A DRUNK TEEN & i know better than to DRINK at 16. it is rediculous. i’m sure this has taught many teens & parents a life lesson & saved a few extra lives. obviously it wasn’t their time to go. i disagree strongly about the complains do to the car. most parents want their child to be safe, & the challenger really is a top notch car. i’m not saying this was completely bad parenting but it does play a big part in it. people need to own up to their wrong doings & stop saying “but i went through all this bad stuff”, going through what ashton has been through has NOTHING to do with the state she is in now. as always in these situations it is the driver’s fault & noone elses, but parents should pay a lil bit more attention as to where there kids are… especially @ 230 am. god bless.

  113. harry reid, jr on July 9th, 2010 6:27 pm

    I hope I dont know these KIDS!!! & I hope they are ok! But what/why was a 16 yr old doing out @ 2:30 am????

    my thots exactly…the last part anyway…

    where’s the dad of the daughters?

  114. Elmer Fudd on July 9th, 2010 6:25 pm

    If a person is under 18 and caught drinking and driving, the state should pull their license until they are 18, then make them start from the beginning with a learners permit for a year. After all, the only place someone under 18 should have to go is to school, and they have school buses for that. Maybe one or two would get tired of having to have an adult sit by them while they drive and all their friends were driving on their own. What if they get a job and need to drive during the year they have a learners permit, so what, it’s a small price to pay for the dumb thing they did. One thing I think teenagers don’t understand is that DEATH is FINAL, you don’t come back later like in a video or computer game.

  115. Jessa Howard on July 9th, 2010 6:22 pm

    It’s amazing how most of the adults are here act more like kids w/ their comments & their comments back to the kids writing on here that’s just immature. These kinds of things happen no matter what time of night or day with or without alcohol, that’s why it’s called a accident. I’m sure if Ashton could changed what happened she would but that’s the thing you can’t.You shouldn’t judge without knowing the whole situation & everyone should direct their comments to saying how lucky the girls are & be glad they are all okay, not criticizing them for what they did wrong. I’m friends with all three of the girls & i love y’all & im so glad y’all are alright.

  116. JohnMolino on July 9th, 2010 6:22 pm

    @Garrett Vincent the brother of Ashton Vincent.

    Listen up Garrett, as a former Detective and Firefighter for 30 years, I have pulled more teenage dead bodies out of vehicles then I can remember. It was just 3 years ago that I was awoke at 3am to the sound of my pager and radio going off. The ambulance crew and medic inside was having problems controlling the massive bleeding from a teenage accident victim. He was 14. See, he couldn’t perform CPR and control the bleeding at the same time. I was advised as a medic to meet the ambulance at the firehouse to assist. I arrived at the same time the ambulance did in the parking lot. I could hear the medic inside struggling to keep this boy alive. The anguish in the hard working EMT’s voice was palpable. When the side door of the ambulance opened I was met with something I had never seen before…and son, I have seen alot, much of it twice….
    I was met with a wave of blood,body fluids and some brain matter washing out over my boots. We tried our best to keep him alive. I performed CPR for 25 minutes on the way to the hospital that foggy morning. Weather did not permit Lifeflight. Three other teens died that night in that roll over accident. Two from massive injuries while the other kid drowned in 12 inches of rain water, hanging upside down in his seatbelt in the ditch.
    My question for you cupcake,
    Where would you like me to stick this memory?
    My comments stand as is.
    They are strengthened by your comments. I blame your parents.

  117. morgan sumrall on July 9th, 2010 6:01 pm

    There is so much hate on this page which is the last thing these three girls need right now.
    These girls are alive.
    I am in total agreement with Shelby Myers.
    I’m also very sure they have heard enough without all of these opinions from people that don’t even know them.

  118. David Huie Green on July 9th, 2010 5:57 pm

    REGARDING:
    “I know that some of the adults felt like we were only thinking about [ourselves], which is not true whatsoever! ”

    AMW (Morgan?), I’m glad you’re alive to argue about the judgmental adults. I’m being my usual non-judgmental self when I ask you to expound on what you mean. The three of you were NOT just thinking of yourselves when you decided to drink and drive.

    Who did you think would benefit from your actions?

    Who was better off?

    You’ve done a fine job of showing the value of seatbelts. Why just a few days back a car with three other people wrecked about the same time of night, flipped only twice and killed one of them who was not buckled in. That’s good on your part, you have another chance.

    AND

    “In order to be old & wise, you first must be young & stupid! That’s just how it goes.”

    You are right you can not become old without first being young and wisdom too often only comes with age (for some at least, some never catch on), but you have to live to be old to be old and wise or even old and foolish.

    If you take it to heart, you can young and wise.

    One thing you DO NOT HAVE TO DO is drink and drive. I’ve done many foolish things because I was foolish but that is one thing I never had to do and never did. There is nowhere you have to go when drinking. There is no law which says you have to drink. In fact, there are even what you may consider silly laws which forbid it at your age. And others which forbid it prior to driving. Those laws were passed by people who did not enjoy losing loved ones and figured at least they could save those who obeyed the laws.

    Has it hit you yet that you didn’t just risk your life but you risked the lives of all the people you might have killed? You must admit at some point, you were no longer in control of the situation and could not have stopped yourselves from killing anyone in your path. Some of these people are upset because you could have killed them or others they love.

    There’s an expression: “There but for the grace of God go I.”

    It’s too late to undo what is done but if you love your parents or yourself or anyone at all, please don’t do this again in the future. Please. PLEASE don’t do it again. You have another chance, please don’t blow it, don’t excuse it, don’t waste it. You may not get another.

    David for care
    and youth
    and wisdom

  119. Brewton Girl on July 9th, 2010 5:54 pm

    I dont know none of these young ladies but I know they have realize they made a big mistake. Things happen. Lets just thank God they are still here. Ladies Hug your Parents and tell them u Love them and its not their fault this happen. We all make mistake. God Bless all of you and your Parents.

  120. Still not buying it on July 9th, 2010 5:38 pm

    Standing on the premise that “teens will be teens” is not an excuse. Teens who make mature decisions and responsible teens are not out at 2:30 in the morning drinking and driving, especially at age 16! Parental supervision was certainly lacking here…what about keeping in contact with cell phones or texting and why no curfew? What about a “bed check”.. My parents were very diligent about the hours I was allowed out at night, where I was, who I was with, and the set time I was expected home and in bed! My sisters and I were rewarded for our good behavior and punished for the bad.
    After receiving word that a teen friend was killed in an auto accident as the result of another druken teen driver, my father made it a point to take us to her funeral before the service began and made us stand by her coffin to nail his point home that she would never be “waking up” out of a bad dream. Months later, he took us to the detention facility where the teen driver was being held and allowed us to spend an hour with him. He was headed to prison after detention as he was approaching 18 that month. When he was released from prison after his probation period was over, he moved to a different state. We never saw him again. All he could say was that he would never be able to face her family and friends again…he was so sorry for what had happened.

  121. Shelby Myers on July 9th, 2010 5:27 pm

    Wow. This really is ridiculous. I am very close with one of the three girls and friends with the other. There really is no need for harsh comments. Im 17 I know that does not say much but I have seen and gone through many things in my life. I’ve lost a lot, and never got nothing handed to me. Ashton Vincent has gone threw a lot in her life as well and I do believe this is her wake up call , and she heard it loud in clear. She does not need rude people telling her how bad she messed up, she knows. I’m very lucky I got a call saying they were hurt , and not killed. Life is a precious thing , and as a teenager who has almost had life taking due to a illness I know in a blink of an eye it can be snatched from you and you cant get it back. Ashton , Morgan, & Nicole are all very smart , beautiful girls who made a dumb choice. I have , my parents have, my grandparents have. Its called life. I just really hate to see a community dog on children and there parents when they really do not know the individual situations. We as children and adults should be thankful that we are not planning 3 funerals so there is a lesson to be learned. I do agree with some of the adults on here that say they made a dumb choice because it was dumb , they know it. Drinking and driving , and breaking curfew ARE all bad things but what can we take out of the situation positive. Growing up I have always been taught with every negative there is a positive. I love all you girls , and I as well as you guys are so very lucky and thankful you are all ok.

  122. Tisdale on July 9th, 2010 5:07 pm

    Oh my god i was just riding with her the day of the accident!! But teenagers are stupid they have to learn some way!!

  123. Big Daddy on July 9th, 2010 5:02 pm

    I am so thankful that these girls are allright but they have not learned there lesson.All they have done is be blessed enough to survive a car crash.They are going to have to live through the grief that they have brought on there parents and themselves before they will be learned there lesson.

  124. D on July 9th, 2010 4:49 pm

    God bless you AMW!

  125. Morgan's Aunt on July 9th, 2010 4:42 pm

    My heart breaks because the girls made bad decisions that could have taken their life or a life of someone else. I believe that the girls have learned their lesson. I am so thankful they are alive and well!! Morgan and Ashton have great parents/gardians. Both girls are great girls that made a horrible mistake that could have been a lot worse!!! But, please stop bashing and judging. Use this accident as a learning tool. Hopefully other drivers will read/hear about this and make a better decision next time he/she gets into the car. I love you Morgan and Ashton!!

  126. AMW on July 9th, 2010 4:12 pm

    First off i want to thank the Lord for keeping me & my two friends safe in this horrible accident. Things could have been way worse than what they ended up being. Im so thankful i still have my two bestfriends by my side & not having to worrie about a funeral. I know that all three of us have learned a great life lesson. And im sure we have showed teens an example of what NOT to do, & hopefully more people will learn from our mistakes. I know that some of the adults felt like we were only thinking about ourself, which is not true whatsoever! Teens will be teens, we do stupid things without even thinking. It’s part of GROWNG UP! In order to be old & wise, you first must be young & stupid! That’s just how it goes. So for all the adults that seem to believe they were the perfect teen & did nothing wrong, LETS GET REAL!!! My parents, as well as my friends’ parents are great, loving, & caring parents that would do ANYTHING in the whole world for each of us. So charging the parents is a bit crazy if you ask me. This was all just a horrible horrible accident that could have been prevented but wasn’t, but thats just how life goes. You gotta roll with the punches & move on with life! The important thing is that all three of us are ok & that we learned a very valuable lesson & hopefully have set an example for other teens. We are all so sorry about everything.

  127. not funny on July 9th, 2010 4:05 pm

    This will not make them think about drinking and driving. Oh ya I done it and lived so I can do it again. Pull her driver license for 2 years. Maybe that might stopp her, but I doubt it. I have a young daughter who has done the same thing and we all thought she would think twice but not. she still continues to do it. I cancelled the insurance and told her she was on her own. If you want to act like an adult then pay your own bills and insurance and car note and and your own house payment. light etc you know the monthly routine. She has now finally at the age of 28 started trying to assume her own responsibilities. That is after a total of 10 recks with one involving death which I thought would trigger her brain, but something woke her up. It took along time. I think the punishment on these girls not just one but all three should be severe. Give them some months to think about what they were doing. Dont just slap them on the hand it just gonna make it easier for them to do it again. Throw the book at them please if that will keep them alive.

  128. horrific on July 9th, 2010 4:01 pm

    for the parents.
    time for a wake up call for these kids,
    make them get part time jobs in hospitals, so they have a been respect
    for human life next time.

  129. DJ on July 9th, 2010 3:59 pm

    These 3 girls are very lucky and I am glad to hear they were wearing their seatbelts. Accidents happen & no one was hurt. Everyone should just be happy nothing worse happened. Stop the slander!

  130. horrific on July 9th, 2010 3:50 pm

    for all you teens who think you know more than the adults on here,
    think again.

    go back up and look at this car….think about if this car had landed on
    your families car and one of your loved ones had been killed. what then?

    And you think she deserved this car….ha!
    It took her just 7 days to destroy it.
    She was neither ready for it, or deserved it!

    She never thought about the fact that there are families up here
    losing their jobs and their homes, and their cars. Who’s families are being
    put out on the street.

    She was one of the lucky ones, that her family could hand her this
    car, and look how she appreciated that!

    Think again kids, you want to be adults and talk to adults like that,
    then grow up!

  131. mary on July 9th, 2010 3:46 pm

    I commented earlier(4:30am) …now i know the KIDS werent supose to be out..read all commments…I am working on raising my 4th teenager…I’m not the best mom(better now..after going thru it before) YES I agree…BAD PARENTING…no matter what the families are going thur in thier lives…is it too much to watch what your kids are doing??? I live on Sunshine Hill Rd & I get up early & i have had the cops knock on my door that early cuz some stupid person hit a tree in my yard by the rd…& took the tag & left the scene. I cant say I’ve never driven drunk…I’m not allowed to drive now for that very reason!! Yep kids are gonna be kids..blah blah blah…I was 1! I made my stupid mistakes as an adult..totalled cars etc… As a MOM ..my kids are/were home @ nite when they were supose to….even when I was going thru “stuff” in my life…Is mom & dad going to buy thier “lil girl” a new car?? she shouldnt be allowed to drive again till she is 18 & even then she isnt LEGAL to drink…ENOUGH SAID!

  132. dnutjob on July 9th, 2010 3:34 pm

    “survivor” Thank you for your statement it says it all, and you are mature enough to admit your mistake and learn from it. Amen enough said. And by the way I have 3 girls all older than 18 and as a parent you teach your children right from wrong and hope like he** they take the right path and pray, pray, pray that they turn out ok.

  133. interested reader on July 9th, 2010 3:28 pm

    God is good! He spared the lives of these young girls and other people who could have been in their path. Please look at these pictures of the car and be more responsible for what your young people are doing. Planning a funeral today could have been the option.

  134. RedVelvetCake on July 9th, 2010 3:10 pm

    Thank God these girls are ok and they were wearing there seat belts. It could have been worse. They learned a very valuable lesson.

  135. p'cola friend on July 9th, 2010 2:53 pm

    Thank God these girls are all okay, it could have been worse. I am sure that they all have learned a very valuable lesson. The most important thing right now is that they are all fine. This is why parents and teens need to have an open enough relationship so that the teens are not afraid to call their parents to take care of them when they are in a situation like this. I know one of the girls, she is a wonderful young lady, and she has wonderful parents as well. Their parenting is NOT a question at all. Teens will be teens, and those of you who want to get on here and preach like you are holier than thou, let me ask you, were you a PERFECT teen who never made a foolish mistake? Girls, I am just glad you all are okay, and I hope you had a lesson learned here. Fortunately God was looking out for you.

  136. Garrett Vincent on July 9th, 2010 2:45 pm

    this is the brother of ashton vincent and child neglect is way out of proportion. Also you dont have a clue what my family has been through and personally you need to keep your mouth closed with all the smart/ridculous comments. this is really unnecessary and we have enough goin on right now. One more thing dont worry about the car it was a V6 not a muscle car! Get over your selfs and for all you parents that never did anything bad in life stick it!!!!

  137. T White on July 9th, 2010 2:43 pm

    Well Morgan Sumrall, Ronni Renfrow and Tiffani Crowl,
    This another adult who has a comment to make. I hear what you are saying about your friends being amazing students, which is terrific, but what happened? Plan and simple, what they did was stupid. No excuses!! Don’t stop being smart when you get behind the wheel of a car and knowing you have been drinking. I have a teenage son, nieces, nephews and cousins. This statement “teenagers will be teenagers” is bull. Rebel, they don’t even know what that means. Not that they don’t make mistakes but nothing on this level because they know our family don’t play that. You teenagers know right from wrong, you want responsibiltiy but don’t know how to handle it and when you are called on it ,you want to say “we are just teenagers”. Make up your minds what you what to be. If you want to act like adults, then take responsibility for you actions because as adults that s what we have to do. And yes, we have been teenagers too and have done things that we shouldn’t have in the name of fun, but I can truly say I didn’t do nothing as serious as this. Thank God I was intelligent enought to learn from other people mistakes. I hope your friends and you girls have learned and know how serious this is and know how your life can change so easily by not making the right choices. Life is precious ladies understand this. I thank God that your friends are okay.

    Parents, we must learn to be PARENTS firtst to our kids and not just want to be their friends. Check, double check and if we have to triple check on our kids. Better safe than sorry!!!

  138. Nick on July 9th, 2010 2:38 pm

    First i want to say i am soo glad the girls r ok and it did not turn out any worse those r good girls and all u people runnin ur mouths bad talking them just give it a rest they have been through so much already they dont need to hear some idiots talking bout stuff they dont no about and i am so glad they were in that new challenger as u can see it is incredibly safe and it is not the muscle car version like some retard was saying if they had been in some piece of junk things would have been much worse i can remember when i was 16 and these girls r alot smarter than i was then they just made a bad decision but im sure they realize that they have enough to deal with not to have to listen to this bull

  139. lil bit on July 9th, 2010 2:32 pm

    Let me just say stupid!! All tha young and dumb teenagers need 2 take a look at what we lost by a drunk driver please look and maybe u will change u mind if ya gonna drink do it at home or have a d.d!! Go 2. http://www.myspace.com/4ever8oursummerangel. I love ya summer and thank you for watching over me!! You will always be loved and missed!!

  140. renfrow on July 9th, 2010 2:27 pm

    “I WILL say that young lady and I MEAN it!!! Your Daddy may not be smart enough to know better and your friend’s Daddy may not be smart enough to know better, but I do! No 16 year old deserves squat!!!

    Your comment is naive and immature. Go watch cartoons and save your opinions for when you’re old enough to make an intelligent statement to adults.”

    There was no need for this at all . My dad passed away three years ago && if he was still alive he woulda put me in a nice car too. The car has has nothing to do with this, You can go just as fast in a regular car. && you do not know her grandfather or my dad (or let alone how we live our lives) so you do not need to be saying that they are not smart enough. And as far as your comment goes it seems to me that your the immature one . sorry .

  141. bwayne on July 9th, 2010 2:20 pm

    I don’t know these girls, but I’m thankful that nobody was fatally hurt. And very thankful that there was no traffic in that intersection at the time they ended up there.
    It could have been a lot worse, and maybe that “little slap from God” will make them think before drinking and driving in the future. I managed to raise 4 kids (3 boys and 1 girl) thru to adulthood, and believe me, it is impossible to know what they are doing 24/7. Afterall, parents have to sleep sometime.

  142. D on July 9th, 2010 2:05 pm

    The kind of car shouldn’t even be mentioned here…..The point is, parents are too scared to stand up to their teens bcuz they are afraid of losing them. They figure the best way to keep peace is to let them have their way. Being the parent of a teen is one of the hardest things anyone will ever go through. I won’t let mine ride with other teens…period! She gets mad at me for it constantly, but here is a great example why!

  143. survivor on July 9th, 2010 2:03 pm

    uhmm yes, im one of the girls that was involved in this horrible scene . There is know one to blame but ourselves, we are teenagers not thinking. We all decided to get in the car, we could have chose differently. We did have a curfew but it was our stupid choice by not obeying, but when you put teens in a vehicle with a new driver and car like that there is no telling what could happen or what we could be doing. Its not stupid parenting, we were the ones who disobeyed, we didn’t listen when we were supposed to come home. what could a parent do besides call and drive around town looking for us, we would still be in the same position, so instead of trying to blame and butting in with your opinions when half of you don’t know us, how we are raised and half the story u go by what u see in articles like this, instead everyone should be thankful we had seatbelts on and God was watching over us .

  144. whitepunknotondope on July 9th, 2010 1:46 pm

    “…do not say that i 16 year old should not have a car like that. You dont know her && you dont know what she has gone through in her life, for all you know she could have deserved that car.”

    I WILL say that young lady and I MEAN it!!! Your Daddy may not be smart enough to know better and your friend’s Daddy may not be smart enough to know better, but I do! No 16 year old deserves squat!!!

    Your comment is naive and immature. Go watch cartoons and save your opinions for when you’re old enough to make an intelligent statement to adults.

  145. Hayleigh Rolin on July 9th, 2010 1:36 pm

    I’m friends w/ those 3 girls. & for all the rude comments that were left, yeah they made a mistake but we all do. they’re teenagers just trying to have fun & if you can’t atleast pray that they make it thru then don’t put your rude comments on here please. I pray for Ashton, Morgan, & Nichole. love you guys!

  146. Renee Wienhoff on July 9th, 2010 1:36 pm

    Ok first of all i have three kids all teens and if i could i would of bought all 3 of them new cars. Second we all know that teens can and will be stupid,not listen and do what they want weather we as parents approve or not, Third all of you people judging how stupid it was and it was why dont you Think how much worse this could have been. The person who made the bad judgement call is and will be the one dealing with her crimes along with her family and the families of the other two people.. So pray for them and stop being judgemental. My thoughts and prayers to All the families.

  147. bill2 on July 9th, 2010 1:36 pm

    Car doesn’t have tp be new to go fast ..mine was 10 yrs old and I made it go plenty fast ..point kids can do things without parents knowing if you think other wise ..you are in for a suprise

  148. THS Senior on July 9th, 2010 1:14 pm

    It doesn’t matter not everyone is perfect yeh all you adults have your opinions and you act like you have never done wrong. It was an accident and accidents happen. Leave the parents and our schoolmates alone. There going though enough.!!

  149. tiffany crowl on July 9th, 2010 1:07 pm

    umm for all u people who didnt read the whole story and r saying they didnt wear their seatbelts go bck and read it again cuz all three of them were wearing their seatbelts!! i personally know 2 of these girls ashton and morgan and they are amazing students tht have always succeeded in school & sports i mean yeah we are teenagers so sometimes we are gonna mess up but all tht matters is tht they are all ok and no one got hurt! So the next time you go to judging someone off of one mistake maybe u should think back to when you were a teenager and the chances you took because in all reality NO ONE is perfect.

  150. ronni renfrow on July 9th, 2010 12:59 pm

    All three of these girls are my friends.
    && yes teenagers will be teenagers but didnt all of you do stuff that you souldnt have when you were sixteen . Dont talk bad about these girls . We all make mistakes. && do not say that i 16 year old should not have a car like that. You dont know her && you dont know what she has gone through in her life, for all you know she could have deserved that car. But thank god they are all okayy . I love you ladies . && like i said we all make mistakes so do NOT talk bad about them !

  151. alex morris on July 9th, 2010 12:57 pm

    god i cant belive this & to think i was suppose to be in the car with yall , this is crazy . i love all of yall & im soooo glad you guys are okay !

  152. Mary on July 9th, 2010 12:52 pm

    she just got that car last week !! : ( I love them girls with all my heart and im glad they are ok.

  153. compassion on July 9th, 2010 12:49 pm

    “nudo” I guess your an exception. I for one did many stupid things as a teenager that my parents weren’t aware of. “Bill2″ is right, young and dumb.

  154. brewtongirl1 on July 9th, 2010 12:46 pm

    DUMB,DUMB,DUMB…. ONLY THINKING ABOUT THEMSELVES. THEY COULD HAVE KILLED SOME INNOCENT PERSON. AT 16YRS. OLD THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT HOME IN BED. AND WHAT DOES A 16 YEAR OLD DOING BEHIND THE WHEEL OF A BRAND NEW(WAS) SPORTS CAR .. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO GET A CAR THAT GOT ME FROM POINT A TO POINT B WHEN IT WANTED TO CRANK…

  155. morgan sumrall on July 9th, 2010 12:45 pm

    these three girls are my friends..
    and i hate to tell alll you adults this..
    but teenagers will be teenagers..
    sorry,
    we’re gonna rebel and have some unsafe fun.
    all teenagers do it,
    and you probably did the same thing.
    i think these kids and their parents are probably goin through enough right now.
    they don’t need other people’s opinions.

  156. huh on July 9th, 2010 12:30 pm

    Why would you ever buy a 16 year old a brand new car, especially a fast one? her parents should know better

  157. Bill2 on July 9th, 2010 12:19 pm

    I guess I wasn’t as perfect as some people ..I used to sneak out without my parents knowledge in a 57 chev (car was 10 yrs old at the time ) and yes I had a beer or two .mom and dad never caught me. I knew that they would have tore my butt up if they had but that didn’t stop me ..young and dumb

  158. Mom on July 9th, 2010 12:05 pm

    The big questions should be: Why are three teenagers under the age of 18 doing out on the highway that late? Where did they get the alcohol? Where were the parents? Just something to think about…

  159. Chloe Whitfield . on July 9th, 2010 12:01 pm

    all 3 of these girls are my friends .. i hope and pray ashton gets thru everything & her charges . i love all 3 of yall !! prayers are with yall and im jus glad yall are ok ..

  160. JohnMolino on July 9th, 2010 11:50 am

    Clear case of Child Neglect on behalf of all these childrens parents. Unless they can show the kids snuck out of the house, the parents should be charged criminally with possible Jail Time. It’s parents like these that make kids this way.Let’s not kid around about this…They are 16! Driving around in a Dodge Challenger Muscle car at 2:30am? Endangering the lives of anyone of us coming home from work or going to work? This is past stupid.This is STUPID on on a brand new level. I would call it Monumental Parenting Stupid, but somehow , Monumental doesn’t deserve such high status.

    Charge the Parents!

  161. RLC on July 9th, 2010 11:28 am

    All three are friends and/or schoolmates with my children and I am so Thankful to hear that they are all alright. I hope the best for them and their families at this time. Good to know they were atleast wearing seatbelts as so many kids today think they don’t need too. Maybe this will be an eye opener for other teens to not drink and drive and speed and to ALWAYS wear your seatbelt!

  162. David Huie Green on July 9th, 2010 11:26 am

    it is good they had the sense to wear seat belts

  163. nudo on July 9th, 2010 11:14 am

    Hey “compassion”, yeah I didn’t always tell my parents where I was, but I wasn’t out at 2:30 in the morning even at 18 or 19 years.

  164. horrific on July 9th, 2010 11:10 am

    um lets see…
    what do we know about kids??

    Their stupid at 16….
    So lets go out and buy ours a new car that has waaaay to much horse power
    for most idiot kids under the age of 30, and lets let them be out waaaay to
    late at night when every decent thing in the world is closed and just go to
    bed and wonder what will they do in that dark with that power.

    Damn lucky all three of these teens aren’t dead, and sombody else also
    who may have just been unlucky enough to have just got off work at
    some plant or something.

    This isn’t the stupid kids faults, we all know that.
    This is stupid parenting.

  165. shakingmy head on July 9th, 2010 11:08 am

    Thank God they were wearing seat belts and no one was hurt seriuosly or killed.3 Teens in a car like that is just asking for trouble.I hope that this scared some sense into them all.I am glad no parents have to make final arrangements today.

  166. Kim on July 9th, 2010 11:05 am

    I’m so glad that they were O.K. but i’m also wondering who would allow their 16 yr olds out at this time of the morning. Who was supposed to be supervising these childre? Goodness I have a son that will be 19 in September and I make sure that he is home at least before midnight. My friends make fun of me and say he’s grown but I keep the beliefs that my parents had. You live under my roof then you abide by my rules. Nothing good is out there for any young people after midnight…. period!!!!

  167. DAM3 on July 9th, 2010 10:22 am

    That brand new car saved my friend’s life! Without it she would be dead and yes they were all wearing seatbelts and we are so thankful that everyone is okay.

  168. deBugger on July 9th, 2010 10:12 am

    16? 2:30 am?

    Well, I reckon they were up to no good, what else could it be? You know those delinquent teenagers!

    [sarcasm intentional]

    They were lucky & blessed.

  169. S.L.B on July 9th, 2010 9:43 am

    I just don’t understand the mindset of parents who put their teenage children in a brand new car/truck and especially one with this sort of horsepower?

    I believe that teenagers should start out their driving career with a nice looking, newer used vehicle. And we should teach them that if they want a new one, they will need to take care of the one they have been given and work their way up to a new one on their own, which means obeying the rules of the road , appreciating what they have been given and working hard to achieve it.

    Spoiled children take advantage of life and tend to think that rules do not apply to them for whatever reason. You reap what you sowe!

  170. reader on July 9th, 2010 9:21 am

    To be an adult you had to have been a teen so maybe some of you can answer your own question about all the “whys”. The most important thing is to thank God for their lives! And pray that better choices are made in the future. I would just would say yes to seat belts by looking at the picture and reading the story…..To “compassion” you hit the nail on the head!

  171. JUDY MASEK on July 9th, 2010 8:35 am

    no mention of seat belts….just wondering..hhmmm

  172. Frank on July 9th, 2010 7:58 am

    I beleiveTheir liscence to drive says NOT after mid night to 6am.
    Teens, what does yours say?

  173. compassion on July 9th, 2010 7:58 am

    People remember what it was like to be a teenager? You weren’t always honest about where you were. I hope these teens learned their lesson. Thank God they are ok.

  174. SW on July 9th, 2010 7:53 am

    be careful-

    Not a Charger, a Challenger. That’s a shame.

    No fatalities. That’s a blessing.

  175. Beverly on July 9th, 2010 7:53 am

    I’m like all the other people– what is a 16 yr old doing out at that time of the morning?????

  176. be careful on July 9th, 2010 6:05 am

    Teens out in a Charger looking car at 2:30 in the morning. Speed ???????? I know school is out for summer, but why are they out at THAT time of the morning. At least the airbags worked. Scarry!!!!!!!!

  177. Northender43 on July 9th, 2010 5:28 am

    What were 16 year olds doing out at that time?

  178. mary on July 9th, 2010 4:28 am

    I hope I dont know these KIDS!!! & I hope they are ok! But what/why was a 16 yr old doing out @ 2:30 am????