One of the victims of the horror crash that killed four teens has been identified as a 14-year-old mum with police fearing a TikTok trend could have led to the tragedy.
Six teenagers, aged between 14 to 19, were travelling in a stolen Kia on Monday morning in Buffalo, New York state, when their car crashed at around 6.30am.
The victims have been named as Marcus Webster, 19; Swazine Swindle, 17; Kevin Payne, 16; and mum-of-one Ahjanae Harper.
Ahjanae died less than a week before her fifteenth birthday.
In a heartbreaking tribute to the young mum, who leaves behind a five-month-old baby, her cousin Victoria Hutchins said: "My little cousin. Ahjanae was our baby she was full of life and had so much more life in her to live. If you had a chance to know Ahjanae then you’re a blessed individual."
She continued: "Ahjanae was always happy kept a smile on her face. Ahjanae was such a sweetheart. Unfortunately she was took away from us unexpectedly in a horrible car accident.
"She would’ve been 15 on November 1 of this year. Ahjanae did leave a piece of her down her on earth and that is her baby Tru. Tru has to go through life without her mother."
Ms Hutchins set up a fundraiser hoping to raise money to support the family at this difficult time.
The car, which was being driven by a 16-year-old who has not yet been identified, was reported stolen the night before the crash.
Four of the passengers were tragically killed as the driver was rushed to hospital and released later that day.
However, the only surviving passenger remains in intensive care after suffering life-threatening injuries.
Buffalo Police commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said in a statement: “It’s a horrific morning for the families, their friends, our police officers and our investigators and fire department that were there investigating this.
“This is a terrible, terrible outcome for such young kids that had their entire lives in front of them.”
The inspiration behind stealing the car appears to have come from a disturbing new TikTok challenge which encourages youngsters to break into Hyundai and Kia cars with their phone charges, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said during a press conference.
Nicknamed the "Kia challenge”, videos uploaded to TikTok show criminals stealing the two brands of cars with a USB cord and screwdriver as the challenge dares them to drive off with the stolen car.
Authorities have noticed a huge increase of Hyundai and Kia cars being stolen ever since the TikTok video was first uploaded over the summer.
The 16-year-old driver has been charged with criminal possession of stolen property and unauthorised use of a motor vehicle.
The driver is due back in court on November 15.
The Erie County district attorney's office confirmed they are investigating the crash with additional charges expected to be filed, according to spokesperson Kait Munro.
