MARION-- A Marion high school student was just weeks from graduation when she was killed in a crash with a police officer that also critically injured one of her best friends.
Payton Rogers was an honor roll student who had already completed 21 college credits.
But she'll never get to finish high school or see her dream of becoming a forensic pathologist.
"We were so close to graduating she was supposed to be there with me," said her friend Alexis Mayweather. "We were supposed to be dressed in our cap and gowns and get ready to walk and receive our diplomas."
Rogers' grandmother says Payton had a way of making things better, no matter what was going on in life.
"I could be upset about something and she could say 'it's gonna be alright Granny Pat' I'll always remember that," said Patricia Rogers.
Friends and family say she brought joy and inspiration to everyone who knew her.
"It's heartbreaking but when I think about Payton I have to smile,' said "She was my inspiration."
READ | Marion senior killed in crash withpoliceofficer
Indiana State Police say Officer Brian Davis, 45, had his lights and sirens on while responding to help another officer when the accident happened at the intersection of Third and Washington streets.
Initial reports indicate Payton pulled into the path of Davis' car. She was pronounced dead at the scene and her passenger, Baleeve Gregory, 18, was flown to a Fort Wayne Hospital to be treated for serious injuries.
The crash remains under investigation by Indiana State Police.
Both Payton and Baleeve were seniors at Marion High School.
Marion Community Schools issued the following statement Saturday afternoon.
Marion Community Schools is terribly saddened to hear of the tragic crash that claimed the life of a member of Marion High School's Class of 2018.
We wish to express sincere condolences to the family of Payton Rogers, a senior at Marion High School, and our thoughts are with the family of Baleeve Gregory, also a senior, as we fervently hope for her recovery from the injuries she suffered in the crash.
Counseling will be available in the coming days at the school for students and staff. We also encourage students in need of help to reach out to any adult at their school building.
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