GUILFORD , N.C. — A North Carolina teen is being remembered today, one year after her death.
Ayonna Suttles says her daughter Aliyah Thornhill, 14, was hit by a car while trick-or-treating in Guilford County on Oct. 31, 2022 and died.
“You know, I never in a million years thought that this would happen to me,” Suttles said.
According to Suttles, Aliyah loved Halloween and had a really wonderful day before heading out to trick-or-treat with friends.
“I don’t want that day to be sad because that day, Aliyah was just so vibrant and happy. She was jumping around, she was running around. She was in a high vibrant mood,” Suttles recalled.
She says Aliyah had a reflective cape, but did not have it on at the time of the accident. She now pleads with anyone who is behind the wheel to take extra precaution on Halloween night.
“Put the phone down. Pay attention. Slow down. If you’re not aware on any other day, make this the day that you are aware,” she added.
Riverside High School in Durham will be dedicating a bench in memory of Aliyah on Nov. 9 from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Suttles says no charges have been filed against the driver in the accident.
You can learn more about Aliyah’s legacy here.