BAY CITY (WJRT) -
(10/21/12) - Monday, she would have turned 17, but instead, family and friends are mourning the death of Bay City teen Autumn Elwell.
Autumn died Saturday in a car accident in West Michigan. Sunday, we learned Autumn was a senior at Bay City Central High School.
We spoke with an official from the school who says losing her will leave a big hole in their community.
Autumn was a member of the Marching band and a section Leader. The Bay City School superintendent says she was popular student who was well-liked and will be missed.
Autumn died in a car crash early Saturday morning in Kent County on the west side of the state.
It happened just after midnight on I-96 near U.S. 131. State police say Autumn's sister, 25-year-old Ashley Donnelly, was driving when she missed the exit for 131.
Investigators say Donnelly then stopped on the highway and put her car in reverse.
While backing up, she lost control.
Police say a semi then crashed into her passenger's side door, where Autumn was sitting. Autumn died at the scene.
Donnelly, who is pregnant, was taken to the hospital but is expected to be OK.
The semi truck driver was not injured.
Grief counselors will be at Bay City Central Monday morning to help students cope with this loss.
Her funeral will be held at Gephart Funeral Home in Bay City, but the arrangements have not yet been made.
