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Sarah Ann Wirostek of Oakley died early last Saturday morning in a violent one-vehicle wreck on Ridge Road near Hemlock Road in Brady Township. The 17-year-old was a passenger in a 1999 GMC Yukon driven by 20 year-old Joshua B. Adams of Oakley.

Wirostek, Adams and three other passengers - Alicia A. Zyrowski and Meredith L. Martin of Chesaning and Amanda I. Belanger of St. Charles, all 17-year-old Chesaning High School juniors - were thrown from the vehicle, which landed in the front yard of an unoccupied farmhouse around 12:30 a.m.

Police were summoned after a passerby called 9-1-1.

Oakley-Brady Township Police Chief Larry Briggs told media outlets that the scene was among the worst he has encountered in his law enforcement career. A week after the accident, deep gouges from the Yukon's brutal landing remain in the home's lawn.

A Michigan State Police accident reconstruction team estimated that the vehicle was going about 90 miles an hour when it crashed. Investigators believe the Yukon left the roadway and rolled several times before coming to rest on its top near the home's front porch.

Briggs said two of the occupants landed more than 100 feet away from each other after they were hurled from the vehicle.

Wirostek was pronounced dead at the scene, with the other victims transported to two Saginaw hospitals. Zyrowski and Belanger sustained the most serious injuries.

Chesaning Union Schools Superintendent Kathy Stewart said it was a somber week at Chesaning High School, where counselors and area clergy members were on hand to provide grief counseling and resources for students.

"Our thoughts were consumed with grief for Sarah's family, and with concern for the health of the others involved in the accident," she said. "It's been a rough week here, but our staff is committed to supporting our students through this difficult time."

Flowers, candles and memorabilia were left near the accident site throughout the week, as friends and loved ones paid tribute to Wirostek. Two crosses were erected in her memory.

Investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the accident, but are awaiting toxicology reports for confirmation.

Wirostek had a mega-watt smile

BRADY TOWNSHIP - Photographs from Sarah Wirostek's short life show the Oakley resident engaging in typical teen moments - goofing around with friends in the school hallway, primping in the mirror after gym class, striking a humorous dance pose. And in every picture, Wirostek showcases the mega-watt smile that loved ones say left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

The 17 year-old died last Saturday morning in a horrific Brady Township car accident that left three of her Chesaning High School classmates seriously injured.

Last week friends and family mourned the death of pretty girl who enjoyed experimenting with hair and make-up as much as she loved riding four-wheelers and watching scary movies.

"She just had this really fun, positive personality," said her older sister, Crystal Wirostek. "When she was little she really shy, but all of a sudden, she became this outgoing, friendly person. She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh."

Wirostek planned to pursue a career as a cosmetologist after high school, and liked to try new haircolors and styles on herself and her friends.

Crystal Wirostek recalled a camping trip to Silver Lake, where a swarm of bees chased her sister and other campers as they were looking for firewood. After everyone returned to the campsite, Sarah began screaming.

"She had these really nice French braids in her hair, and a bee was caught inside them. We had to help her get it out. She had a headache for the rest of the night," she recalled. "We laughed about it after that."

Doug Wirostek said his daughter enjoyed music and spending time her friends. If she wasn't on the home phone with someone, she was usually in her room chatting on her cell phone.

The Chesaning High School junior made friends easily, but kept strong bonds with her childhood friends from Brady Elementary School. Amanda Burkhardt met Wirostek in kindergarten, and fondly remembered pre-teen sleepovers with Spice Girl lip-syncing marathons and snowmobile rides.

"We still rode to school together sometimes, and kept a really close bond. Whenever she saw me, she'd say 'BFF (Best Friends Forever), Amanda!' She was a really great friend, and always had the best smile on her face," Burkhardt said. "I'll always remember that smile."

Wirostek was born in Owosso in 1989, the daughter of Doug and Debra Wirostek. In addition to her parents, she leaves behind two sisters, Crystal and Heather Wirostek; three brothers, Steven, Tyler and Justin; grandparents Ed and Peg Wirostek and Joe and Virginia Stehlik; great-grandmother, Geraldine Geiger; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Her funeral was held at Our Lady Catholic Parish in Chesaning on Thursday, with arrangements by Walker-Martin Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the family.