OAK RIDGE, N.C. — Aliyah Thornhill danced, sang, and was an artist. Her mother, Ayonna Suttles, said she was chasing her dreams.
Those dreams are now a memory and Aliyah's death has become a mother's mission to not let it happen to anyone else.
This time next week, kids everywhere will be putting on their Halloween costumes for a night of trick-or-treating.
A fun night to come, but also a night to make sure safety is not forgotten.
Two Guilford County children have died after getting hit by a car while trick or treating in recent years.
Aliyah Thornhill's mom shared a warning.
"Halloween was Aliyah's favorite holiday," Suttles said. "Right after her birthday, which was July, girlfriend was talking about her Halloween costume, like they were setting it up, you know."
Ayonna Suttles said that was the last time her 14-year-old got dressed up for Halloween.
"Aliyah was in such high spirits that day; she was running around," Suttles said.
Aliyah and her friend were walking on a dark road, trick or treating in Oak Ridge when an SUV hit them.
Suttles said this year will mark the first year she won't get to see her teen dressed up.
"I've had some rough days," she said. "Rougher than the majority of this year. It's been really really hard, at this time."
Another family will be dealing with a similar situation.
Aliyah Thornhill's death came three years after 11-year-old Noah Chambers was killed on the same road.
Noah died after being hit at a church trunk-or-treat event in 2019.
Suttles said two kids dying is way too many and wants to spread a message to drivers.
"Put yourself in my shoes and Noah Chamber's mom's shoes for two seconds," she said. "Put that phone down, it can wait, whoever it is, and be more cognizant. Even if the speed limit is 45, go slower, because you know that kids are possibly out there crossing, you just don't know, but if you're not aware at any other time of the year, make Halloween the day that you become aware or make yourself mentally aware to look out for children trick or treating."
Greensboro police suggested wearing reflective vests, glow sticks, headlights, or flashlights as your kids go trick-or-treating. Officer Camara Gosmon said drivers need to be alert.
"I just recommend that you guys try to drive under the speed limit. Just be mindful of kids that are around you, make sure you're alert, make sure your lights are on and just keep your head on the swivel at all times to look out for people," Gosmon said.
Gosmon also suggested making sure that the kids are not alone, travel with somebody, and that parents inspect the candy before eating it.
"Also, when you're out and about, make sure that, if you don't see a light on someone's front porch, that usually means they're not home or they're not giving out candy," Gosmon said. "For those of you guys who are going to be driving around, make sure you guys drive slow and be mindful of the speed limit, there are going to be lots of people walking around and if you're walking somewhere where there is no sidewalk this is also very important, make sure that you walk as far over to the left or out of the lane that you can."
Suttles said her daughter loved Halloween and she wants others to get to enjoy it year after year.
"Just pay attention, pay attention, it's somebody's child out there and if you're a parent, think of your only child," Suttles said.
Suttles said while it's tough and she is taking it day by day, Halloween is a celebration in her household.
"I am not going to treat this day as a sad day, going forward," she said. "Next year, I hope to do a celebration for people and have them come and shop in Aliyah's attic and have candy because Aliyah was in such high spirits that day, she was running around."