OAK RIDGE, N.C. — While most kids enjoy the spooky holiday for the costumes and sweet treats Zane Campbell can't look at Halloween the same.
"I don't like Halloween that much anymore I just think about her," Campbell said.
He lost his friend Aliyah Thornhill on this day a year ago.
Thornhill was one of two kids who died on separate Halloween nights in Oak Ridge.
So the community came up with an alternative trick-or-treating experience, but even with a new and safer way of doing things, there were heavy hearts Tuesday night.
"The only reason I came was for Aliyah and to honor her spirit and know that she will be missed and always be loved," Campbell said.
Campbell made sure to honor Thornhill at a Trunk or Treat event at Oak Ridge Park put on by her former theatre teacher Jacob Luck at Northwest Guilford Middle School.
"We wanted to have a safe trick-or-treating opportunity in Oak Ridge to celebrate not only Halloween but to remember Aliyah Thronhill," Luck said. "In the last year I've had a lot of time to think about Aliyah, I'm going to get emotional. It's a reminder that we don't do what we do because it's a job but because we're a family."
Thornhill was hit by a car while trick or treating on a road in Oak Ridge on Halloween night.
To prevent another tragedy like this Rachel Biggs with North West Guilford Middle School said trunk-or-treat events are a great alternative.
"They want to go out they want to be more independent they want to be with their friends as parents you want to let them do that but you also worry about their safety," Biggs said.
Thornhill's mom Ayonna Suttles knows that feeling all too well. She's now left with a void that's a bit deeper on this day.
"Not being able to witness that excitement anymore and so many things I miss about her," Suttles said.
This was an emotional day for her.
Halloween was Thornhill's favorite holiday but she's grateful her daughter's passing sparked change.
"I'm proud of Aliyah and the impact that she made in 14 years," Suttles said. "It makes me feel good."