CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: In a devastating turn of events, Stella Grace Bright, 16, daughter of a senior Lowe's executive, Chris Bright, and an entrepreneur, Teresa, died in a harrowing car crash involving her 2014 Porsche 911.
The incident occurred in the early hours of a Saturday, September 9, near Lake Norman, North Carolina. The young teenager's high-speed collision with a tree not only claimed her life but also left two other individuals hospitalized, their identities and current conditions remain undisclosed.
Stella Grace Bright's tragic accident took place close to home
During the incident, Stella Grace Bright was driving her Porsche, and surprisingly, there were two passengers in the vehicle despite it being designed for only two occupants. The front seat passengers were wearing seat belts, but the individual in the back was not, a decision that would have devastating consequences.
The exact speed at which the teenager was driving remains undisclosed, but North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper Christopher Casey attributed high velocity as the contributing factor to the tragic wreck.
Sadly, the location of the accident was just under two miles away from the Bright family's extravagant $2.6 million lakefront residence. It was amid the tranquil environment of Lake Norman that the heart-wrenching incident unfolded, as per Daily Mail.
The response to Stella's untimely death has been one of profound sadness and mourning.
Her twin sister, Olivia, expressed the deep void left by her sister's passing, writing, "I don't know how I'm going to live another day without you. You meant the world to me and still do. You didn't deserve to go this soon, you really didn't."
She added, "I won't stop thinking about you and I know you want me to be happy so I'm going to try to be happy just for you."
The accident site, near Donald Trump's golf course, Trump National Charlotte, was closed for over three hours as authorities meticulously pieced together the events leading to the crash. Trooper Casey refrained from providing details about what Stella and her friends were doing before the accident.
There remains a degree of uncertainty surrounding the ownership and insurance details of the supercar - which has a top speed of 199 mph.
It's unclear whether Stella's supposed vehicle was insured under her parents, Teresa and Chris. Local media, including the Charlotte Observer, have identified the car as belonging to Stella.
Stella Grace Bright's family
Stella Grace Bright's father, Chris Bright, holds a prominent position as the Vice President Market Delivery Operations at Lowe's, one of the largest home improvement retailers in the US. Before this, he served as Vice President of Supply Chains at Nordstrom, according to his LinkedIn.
Stella's mother, Teresa, is an entrepreneur with a gift-making business and frequently shares glimpses of their family life on social media, as per Daily Mail.
The Brights originally hail from the Pacific Northwest, making their home in this idyllic lakeside setting, adorned with a private pier, saltwater pool, and lavish spa, stands in stark contrast to the somber events that occurred nearby.
Tributes poured in for Stella Grace Bright after her death
In the wake of this tragedy, friends and family have come forward to remember Stella Grace Bright as a warm, kind-hearted individual who had a profound impact on those around her.
Her best friend, Jocelyn Carroll, expressed her gratitude for having known Stella and mourned the loss of a cherished friend, writing, "Rest in peace to my bestest friend in the whole universe. I can't even begin to describe with words how grateful I am to have met you and to be a part of your life," on Instagram.
She added, "You are so amazing and caring and kind and talented and you had such a beautiful soul. You always know how to put a smile on anyone's face... You were the bestest sister I never got to have and I miss you so much. I'm so sorry I never got to say goodbye."
Another friend, Nikki Degroot, reminisced about Stella's sweet laugh and hilarious sense of humor, and stated, "There are absolutely no words to describe how much you were loved and how we are all going to miss you so so so much," continuing, "You lit up every rom you walked into and I loved every minute I've ever spent with you."
Stella's outgoing personality left an indelible mark on those who knew her. She had a knack for making people smile, even in awkward situations, as described by her friend Ryleigh Ackermann.
Ackermann wrote, "Words can't even describe how much my heart aches for you and the others involved," adding, "I wish we could've had the rest of our high school experience together. I would do anything to get one more hug from you."
She noted, "You were a beautiful, smart, caring, bubbly girl. I know you will always be up there looking out for all of us... You were the sweetest soul and went too soon."
