On November 10, 2008, 17 year old Alessandra (Allie) Augello was killed in a head-on collision when on her way home from play practice at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, in Spring Hill, Florida. The driver of the other vehicle, 19 year old Alyssa Dryer, who was also killed, veered into Allie’s lane unexpectedly. Police records show that Dryer had sent a text message to her boyfriend seconds before the crash.
Allie planned to attend Saint Leo University after graduating, and wanted to major in journalism and minor in photography. With a 3.8 cumulative GPA, she loved writing, but hated math and was known for joking around: She could turn on an uncanny English accent. The first week of school, she fooled one of the new teachers until the end of the period, when she turned it off and said, “Well, you have a nice day.” Allie was set to play the part of the cop in Bishop McLaughlin’s production of The Odd Couple.
Allie is survived by her parents Steve and Agnes, and a little brother Stephen, Jr.
Steve has appeared before lawmakers to share Allie’s story. “It kills. I’m living proof,” he said. “I have a life sentence. I have to live the rest of my life without my daughter because of someone who was texting and driving.” Steve and Agnes were an instrumental force in the fight to get a texting ban passed in Florida and are now working to get sticter penalties attached to the that ban.
Steve has also told Allie’s stories at numerous high schools in Florida in hopes of preventing any further unnecessary young deaths.
Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School has set up a scholarship fund in Allie’s honor.
View the memorial video, “Rest In Peace Alessandra Augello” below:
