Penrose Crash Victim Remembered One Year Later

One year after a deadly crash in Penrose, the community came together Monday to remember 17-year-old Samantha ‘Sammi’ Gaunt. More than a hundred people gathered along Fourth Street in the place where Gaunt’s car skidded on ice and crashed into a tree.

“It’s very bittersweet because I’ve missed her every second she’s been gone,” said Jere Donley, Sammi’s mom. “But I see how many lives she’s touched. I never knew how positive of an influence she was until she passed away.”

The candlelight memorial was planned by a man who had never even met Sammi, her fiance’s best friend.

“It just proves how amazing she was and still is,” said Bodacious Ball, of the large crowd that came out. “It still lingers in this town.”

“It’s amazing how many people are here,” said Ethan Brule, who was engaged to Sammi.

Sammi was a softball player, finishing up her last year at Canon City High School. Her mom said she had been accepted to Colorado School of Mines.

Those who knew Sammi said she was the kind of person you could never forget.

“She just brought a spark wherever she went and that was on and off the field,” said Rick Conway, her softball coach.

“She was just such a wonderful person and she continues to be,” said best friend Kelsi Conway. “She touches everybody still.”

On April 21 and 22 there will be a memorial scholarship softball tournament in Sammi’s honor. It will raise money for two $1,000 scholarships for a Canon City and Florence High School softball player.