‘A guardian angel beside me:’ Teens killed in fiery Oviedo crash remembered

OVIEDO, Fla. – It is a tragedy that broke the hearts of many in Oviedo when 17-year-old Kayla Ross and 15-year-old Marjie Whitman were killed after their vehicle crashed into a tree in Oviedo and caught fire.

The single-vehicle wreck happened Aug. 19 around 1:40 a.m. on Alafaya Woods Boulevard near Covington Street in the Alafaya Woods subdivision.

On Saturday afternoon, more than a hundred people came out to Horsepower Ranch to help the families celebrate the lives of the two young women.

[RELATED VIDEO: Family speaks with News 6 after 15-year-old killed in Oviedo crash]

Ross’ side of the memorial was decorated in black and red, while Whitman ’s was decorated in blue and pink.

The families decided to hold the service together because, as they said, the teens were as close as sisters.

They believe they couldn’t honor their memory without honoring their friendship.

During the service, a prayer was read: “We entrust these precious daughters, Kayla and Marjorie, safe from all pain and suffering. Lord, surround these families.”

Friends and family fought through tears as they said their final goodbyes.

“She’s made such a big impact on everyone,” one friend shared. “I truly don’t know what to do now that she’s gone. I feel a little better knowing I’m gonna have a guardian angel beside me.”

The families said Ross and Whitman were inseparable, which is why they chose a joint service.

“This is tragic, but they were together in that,” Kayla’s godmother, Kristin Brooks, said. “They shared friends. They shared loved ones. People cared about both of them together.”

From flowers and buttons to heartfelt notes, dozens who heard about the girls’ deaths surrounded the families with love and support.

“Her family is absolutely touched,” Brooks said. ”We all are. This is absolutely beautiful.”

Marjie Whitman’s father, Chad Whitman, expressed gratitude for the community’s support.

“It makes me feel like, in the short time that she was here with us, she really touched a lot of lives,” he said.

The outpouring of love also gave Ross’ younger sister, Lexi, the strength to speak.

[VIDEO: 2 dead in fiery crash on Alafaya Woods Boulevard in Oviedo]

“Kayla was very special to me. She never left my side and was always with me no matter what. Kayla, I just want to say I love you very much and rest well,” she said.

Authorities say the details of the crash remain under investigation. Florida Highway Patrol directed questions to Oviedo Police, who confirmed the case is still ongoing.

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