BURNET -- Burnet High School students gathered at a local church Friday night to honor two friends who were killed in a car accident just a day earlier.
Contemporary Christian music and prayer were intertwined Friday at the Epicenter Church in Burnet, where friends and classmates came to celebrate the lives of 16-year-old Sierra Hardin and her 14-year-old brother, Caleb.
Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety say both teens were killed instantly Thursday afternoon when the car they were in crashed into the back of a school bus on State Highway 29. Troopers say Sierra was driving. The 16-year-old was was wearing a seat belt while Caleb was not. Investigators say Sierra may have been distracted because there were no skid marks indicating she had tried to slow down.
"We are not here crying for them," said Noah Coots, a friend of the victims during Friday night's memorial. "We are crying for us, because we lost two amazing beautiful people who brought joy to everyone who is here."
At Burnet High School Friday, administrators say the tragedy has impacted nearly every student on campus.
"They are stunned something like this could happen," said Craig Spinn, principal at Burnet High. "They are shocked."
"Caleb and Sierra have met with their destiny," said Kyle Bryd, pastor of Church at the Epicenter. "Today, they are in the presence of the God they believed in, and they will be there for all of eternity."
"I know that Caleb and Sierra are in heaven dancing with Jesus, and that makes me the happiest person ever," said Jeremie Robertson, a friend of the victims. "Knowing that they are in a way better place than here, and they are in Heaven."
Visitation for Caleb and Sierra Hardin will be held Saturday from 6- 8 p.m. Saturday at the Edgar Funeral Home in Burnet. The funeral service is Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Burnet High School Auditorium. Hundreds are expected to attend the funeral.
