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Family remembers 17-year-old girl killed by driver as talented actor, singer

Tessa Stanley was killed by a 16-year-old driver Monday evening, police say. Her family says she had a bright future ahead of her.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A teen killed in a crash in Grand Rapids Monday evening has been identified by her family. She's remembered as a bright light to those around her.

Tessa Stanley, a 17-year-old Forest Hills Eastern student, was walking in the 3700 block Knapp Street Northeast, between Dunnigan and Maguire avenues when she was hit by an SUV around 5 p.m. Her family believes she was checking the mail. 

She was hit by a 16-year-old boy from Grand Rapids Township driving west, police say.

First responders attempted to save her life, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her family says she had a bright future ahead of her.

"Tessa was an incredibly bright, talented and motivated young girl who's going to be greatly missed," wrote her aunt, Carri Merrill, on a GoFundMe page. 

Her aunt says Tessa planned to attend Central Michigan University after graduating high school. She loved history and hoped to become a teacher.

Tessa was also a talented actor and singer, according to family. She was a member of stageGR, a nonprofit theater company in Grand Rapids.

There, she played numerous starring roles, including Nemo in Finding Nemo, Wednesday Addams in the Addams Family, Kelsi in High School Musical and smaller parts in 101 Dalmatians and Seussical. 

Credit: stageGR
Tessa Stanley in productions of Seussical and the Addams Family.

"Our stageGR community is devastated tonight," the nonprofit wrote on Facebook. 

Her aunt also shared a smiling photo of her as Anne of Green Gables in another production.

Credit: stageGR
Tessa Stanley in productions of Finding Nemo, Anne of Green Gables and 101 Dalmatians.

stageGR is hosting a gathering for "hugging, crying and togetherness" on Dec. 12 from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at East Church. Pastors, counselors, therapists and friends will be there for comfort.

Forest Hills Eastern also shared a statement following her death.

"Tessa was an exceptional student, a talented singer, and a gifted actress with a passion for theater and performing arts," said a school representative. 

"She was a kind, caring individual and a shining light of hope and goodness. Through her grace and warmth, she touched the lives of many, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered."

The school says they have a dedicated crisis team, as well as many school counselors and mental health liaisons to help students through the loss. 

"Let us surround the Stanley family with our love, prayers, and support in the coming days, weeks, and months," they said.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help Tessa's parents with funeral costs, her aunt said. You can find that here

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