Written by Savana Whatley, Kingman High School

April 13, 2023, marked the day that five teenagers were involved in a rollover car crash in Kingman, Arizona, that took the lives of two and injured the remaining three.

Tatum Meins and Sherene Walema were devastatingly taken that night, and the following three boys were injured: Brady Shuffler, Reilly Feil and Cannon Cobanovich. All were under 18 ... just young kids who went out for a ride that took a heartbreaking turn. They were all students from Lee Williams High School, the two girls being star softball players.

Meins had signed to play for William Penn University just days before the accident. Walema was wrapping up her first year on the high school team.

The tragedy not only shocked the school and families, but the whole Kingman community. This was absolutely shattering, but ultimately has brought Kingman, and most of the surrounding Arizona cities, closer together in the hard times they've been faced with. Numerous people have shown support for the children and the people around them who were affected by the accident.

Several GoFundMe accounts were started to contribute to the funeral proceedings and hospital bills needed for each and every student involved. Additionally, schools and students have shown their support by wearing the Lee Williams school colors -- red and black.

Due to the two young girls' heavy involvement in softball, Kingman High School planned an inspirational and charitable event surrounding their love for the sport. Kingman's softball team went against Kingman Academy on April 20, exactly a week after the accident. Located at Kingman High School's very own field, faculty and team members set up donation boxes at the door, open for all visitors. All proceeds and money raised during this event were donated to a memorial fund that had been set up for the families of the five Lee Williams students involved in the accident.

In total, the school and community had graciously raised about $2,100. Although, for the most part, it wasn't the main goal of the night. Kingman took home a win, with a final score of 14-3.

Bulldogs player Reina Ruiz had this to say about the experience, "It did motivate not me, but the whole team to play not only for us, but for them. It feels great to be able to give back to the families in any way we can.”

Spirits were high as the night ended in a well-deserved win, and a remarkable donation to the victims and their families.