JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — People across East Tennessee are honoring the life of a young Knoxville native teen who suddenly died over the weekend. Charlee Blackburn was 14 years old when she died on Feb. 17 at Johnson City Medical Center.
Her parents said doctors are still investigating the specific cause of her death. They said the impact she had on them and the rest of the community can't be overstated.
"Love hard. Love big. Love now. Love fast," said David Blackburn, her dad. "The cheer, the sleepovers, going to concerts. I mean, she was just 90 miles per hour."
Now, her cheerleading pompoms and softball cleats are resting with pictures of her with friends that show off her vibrancy.
A sickness that started as strep throat continued escalating over the course of three days. And while she was being treated in the hospital, her parents said she kept her faith at the center of her life.
"We have no idea what happened. It's very, very uncommon. Very rare," said David. "The light that hopefully Christ put in her."
She shared her faith with her parents, who say it's the only thing helping them through the tragedy of losing her. And they said they want her to be remembered as a caring and kind young girl who made the most out of every moment.
"Enjoy every moment. Don't wait for the future, today's the day. Be present," said David.
After getting news of her death, people across East Tennessee began wearing purple in her honor. A hashtag "Love Like Charlee," started being shared on social media.
A West Knoxville church overflowed Thursday night in celebration of her life.
"It all came from the students. We're very thankful it did because it just shows that she had an impact on people," said David.
Her family asked that any donations be made to the Indian Trail Middle School in Johnson City.