CLAIBORNE COUNTY, Tenn. — On Tuesday night, loved ones gathered to remember Brianna Marshall. She was killed in late December 2023 in a car crash. At the Claiborne Emergency Rescue station, flags were at half-staff and black bows decorated the response trucks. It's a small way of mourning the 19-year-old.
"She had the biggest heart. She loved helping people and had an absolute heart of gold," said Joseph Stacey, who is the captain of the rescue crew.
Joseph would have been Marshall's father-in-law. His son, Ryan, who also is a member of the rescue team, was her fiance.
"I've been doing this for 27 years and deaths like this never get easier. It especially hurts now though, because Brianna was like my own kid," said Stacey.
Loved ones said Brianna was passionate about helping others, and she helped make quilts for the Quilts of Valor initiative. It provides quilts for veterans across the country. Joseph said whether it was being involved with the community or helping lead a mission, Marshall was always all-in.
"The last run she went on was at the Christmas Parade. She and Ryan rode on our float through it and they had the best time. We do a lot of searches and rescue missions, and she would always do any job we had for her," he said.
The station is holding a memorial for Marshall Wednesday morning.
"It means a lot, it's our last chance to say goodbye to Brianna," said Stacey.