PHOENIX — Stacy Stembridge spent the past few days watching her granddaughter's social media videos.
“This is the one that makes me feel good," Stembridge said.
The video showed 15-year-old Anamarie Leach and her friend at school laughing as they recorded themselves trying out different social media filters.
Stembridge said that laugh was a contagious one.
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“She always laughed," said Stembridge. "She always made people feel good around her."
Stembridge adopted Leach when she was little.
As Stembridge watched the videos, she said it made her feel like Leach was still with her. Like they were once again laughing together, at least for a moment.
"Once it goes off, it's over, I start crying," Stembridge said.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, Phoenix police said the 15-year-old was driving at a high speed near Encanto Boulevard and 59th Avenue with another teen passenger when she lost control of the car and crashed into a tree. The impact of the crash ended her life.
"I was shocked," Stembridge said.
The grandmother said Leach, who doesn't have a driver's license and was just learning how to drive, had taken Stembridge's car keys while she was sleeping. Stembridge said Leach had taken the car and picked up her boyfriend to go for a drive.
That's when the crash happened. The other teen was severely hurt but expected to survive.
"I just want to know, what did I do wrong for her to decide to drive right now," Stembridge said. "What would make her take the car is beyond me."
Days after the crash, her family is still coping with the tragedy. Watching the videos posted on social media by Leach is one tool that helps them heal.
"I love you, Anamarie and I miss you," Stembridge said. "I will always love you."
A Phoenix Police Department spokesperson said this crash is still under investigation as detectives continue to process evidence and wait for the medical examiner's findings.
The family has created a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
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