Accident Victim’s Family Speaks

The family of a Southwest High School teen tragically killed in a car accident on Saturday spoke with Channel 8 Eyewitness news on Monday.

They didn't keep secrets and they didn't get in fights.  So, when Erica Johnson's twin sister, Emily, left for work on Saturday, she just knew she would see her again.

She says, “When I heard I wouldn't, it was just devastating. I couldn't process it. I couldn't process going to sleep knowing that emily wouldn't be with me.”

Emily Johnsons' car was T-boned at a busy intersection on 34th and Pine Lake on Saturday afternoon, the 17-year-old died later that night.

Days after the accident, although grieving, friends and family members say they owe it to emily to celebrate her life.

Her mother, Terri, says, “she was happy and bubbly, kind of contagious. She just sort of lifted things up.”

Being born 10 seconds before her sister, Paul Johnson says his daughter was born a leader.

“She was an energetic, passionate little girl, she could do anything she wanted.”

Everyone who knew her called her charismatic, a go getter and kind.  But her older brother, Alex says he'll miss her sense of humor.  “If i ever said or did anything weird, she would make fun of me.”

Laughing or sharing secrets,  Erica says its that sisterly bond she will miss the most.

“I can't imagine a better relationship between two girls.  She was the best person I've ever known.”

A celebration of life ceremony will be held tomorrow at 4:00 at the First Plymouth Church.

Also, a fund has been set up in Emily's name at all Union Banks.  Money raised will go to Emily's favorite charities.