SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-- Parkview High School is remembering two of it's own, graduates Diandre Johnson and Michael McKimmons, who were killed in an accident early Friday morning on I-44.
The two 19 year olds were current Missouri Southern State University football players, and they were remembered at both schools Friday night. Comforting hugs were everywhere at Parkview High School's Friday night basketball game, as students past and present grieve the tragic loss.
Even family members were at the game, and were surrounded with Parkview support. "He's a very loving person. Very kind. Everybody's going to miss him," says Diondre's aunt, Devonna Harris.
The Parkview grads lost their lives on I-44 early Friday morning, when the SUV they were riding in crossed over the median. "Unreal. It doesn't hit you," says Darin Francis, a Parkview classmate and friend.
It's starting to sink in, as students share their memories on paper and wear t-shirts bearing Diondre's and Michael's names, even their basketball jersey numbers, 15 and 24.
"They had a lot of friends. Nobody hated them. They were popular; they were fun. They were just a blast to be around," says Francis.
In all the sadness, they're remembered for their happiness. "Every time you saw them, it was just a smile on their face, and it made your day every time you seen them, because they were just happy to see you and you know it's legit," Francis says.
"He'd greet you with a smile. That's what I'm going to miss the most is his big smile, loving hugs," says Harris.
