Family, friends mourn death of 16-year-old killed in crash

KENOSHA COUNTY -- A teen with a big smile and a friendly disposition is being mourned by her family and community. 16-year-old Casey Petricek was killed in an accident on Hwy. 142 in Kenosha County.

Law enforcement says she was curving with the road when she lost control of the car, and veered into oncoming traffic. Petricek's car hit a van, and died from injuries first thought to be minor.

Loved ones say Petricek's intelligence was well beyond her years. She was an honor roll student at Central High School, and was a few weeks away from finishing a CNA program.

Police says speed was a factor in this crash, and that has teens like Alberto Cabrera driving more cautious. He says, "I've been more focused on my driving, I slow down. I used to speed, since I heard about that I'm scared to get into an accident as well."

Cabrera tells FOX6 he's taking solace in knowing she was a joyful girl who touched many lives.

Petricek's family says the teen had hopes of becoming a surgeon, and even in her death wanted to help save lives. All of her organs were donated.