Kendra

Unfortunately it was not a surprise to read that speed, a lack of seatbelts, and drugs or alcohol cost Kendra Cornwell her life on a Saturday afternoon in March, 2018. Cornwell was coming back from a day at the beach with friends when Caitlyn Potter, who was driving, lost control of her SUV and collided with another SUV.

Cornwell was nineteen.

I was struck by the juxtaposition of Cornwell’s descanso and the white cross hanging in the tree in the background. I am not sure who the cross in the tree is for, but it definitely added to the scene when I was shooting.

Her friends and family clearly miss her, evidenced by the elaborate cross, flowers, and adjacent decorations both hanging from a post and on the ground. The article about the accident paints a picture of a girl well-loved in her community.

Police say that speed, drugs, and seatbelts were possible factors in her death. Her parents had insisted it was just a horrible accident, but in August that year, Caitlyn was indicted on eighteen counts including manslaughter and DUII assault.

A horrible accident, for sure, but one that was preventable.

Rest in peace, Kendra.