2 teens killed in crashes on Interstate 10 just weeks, miles apart

Within the past month, two teens were killed on Interstate 10 just miles apart.

Action News Jax first told you about the deadly crash near U.S. 301 Thursday at 10 p.m. and Friday, Action News Jax learned Baker County High School senior Brieana Ahearn died after losing control of her pickup.

Emily Tedesco said she got a call Friday morning learning that her close friend, Brie Ahearn, died in a crash Thursday night.

For the past three years, Tedesco said Ahearn was her spotter in weightlifting.

"She's always my partner, when we work we share the same bench and we spot each other and cheer each other on," Tedesco said.

Besides weightlifting, Tedesco said Ahearn was also involved in track and riding horses.

"She was one of the best barrel racers I know," Tedesco said.

Action News Jax was on scene Thursday night as all eastbound and westbound lanes of I-10 were shut down.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Ahearn lost control of her truck and was ejected.

"I just can't believe she only had 18 years, she was about to graduate," Tedesco said.

And a month ago, another teen died on the same stretch of I-10.

Autumn Branham, 16, was killed when her car crossed the median and crashed with a truck in the eastbound lane, 2 miles away from Ahearn's crash. Branham dreamed of becoming a cosmetologist.

Tedesco said Saturday will be her first weightlifting meet without her partner.

“She's supposed to be there and she's supposed to lift and she's supposed to help me, it's going to be tough," Tedesco said.

The team plans on wearing ribbons on their shoes in memory of Ahearn.

And even though Tedesco said she lost her spotter, she said she gained an angel.

"I know she'll always be there watching us," Tedesco said.

The team is also trying to make posters with Ahearn’s picture on them.

And even though Tedesco said their coach gave them the option to not compete, she said she knows Ahearn would want them to get that win.

Cox Media Group