Lydell Benjamin died Friday night in a crash on Hillcrest Avenue near Sterling Hill Drive.
He's being described at the school as the champion underdog and his mother told ABC7 News that she wants everyone to remember the good about her son and how much he loved music and loved to dance.
Lydell Benjamin's mother has a message for teenagers.
"These teenagers are out there driving these cars. Please slow these cars down because cars do kill and harm people. I mean it's terrible that I have to lose a child like this," Lettie Chunn said.
Her son died when the car he was driving in crashed into a tree.
The driver of the car is still in the hospital. The site of the crash is now full of flowers and balloons. Social media site likes Instagram are full of pictures and sentiment of grief. His mother says this brings her a bit of comfort.
"I know he's loved by many. I've seen a lot of pictures and a lot of comments and it's really helping me get through this with all of the youth, I knew that he was loved," Chunn said.
On Monday, students at Deer Valley High School must face a reality without Benjamin. Administrators brought in extra counselors to help students with their grief.
"Our staff has been briefed on how to react to and handle those that might be struggling with their emotions today. Whether it be a collegue or whether it be a student," principal Kenneth Gardner said.
"I know you guys love him and also want you to know to remember the good of him," Chunn said.
Benjamin's mother planned to visit the driver who is a friend of the family. She says he is in stable condition. Police are looking whether he was speeding or even racing at the time of the crash and if that was a factor in the accident.
