The car in which Catherine was a passenger was hit by an 18 year-old drunk driver who crossed into their lane on Highway 17. Catherine was a second-year nursing student, and was killed in the crash, in which drugs were also a factor.
The following message was provided by Catherine's loving mother, June Adams.
Dear Cathy:
Because someone chose to drink and drive that day
Cathy's precious life was taken away.
God is the judge of this horrible highway slaughter
And the painful loss of a precious sister
And a beautiful caring daughter
In a better land one day
Cathy's beautiful smile
Will show us the way
Painfully missed along life's way
Your broken hearted family