By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

MIDDLETOWN - Kristen Norris was looking ahead: to her 18th birthday party Sunday, to graduation from Middletown High School and enrollment at Eastern Kentucky University where she planned to study forensics.

But the Middletown Regional Hospital volunteer's life was cut short in a one-car accident Saturday night that also killed her friend, Joseph Adams, 19, a 2002 Lemon-Monroe High School graduate.

"She was so excited about this new independence,'' said her mother, Linda Barrett. "We had a party planned for her. She was just a real good girl who liked everybody.''

Adams' friends described him as a fun-loving young man who wanted to study either medicine or pharmacy. He had studied at the University of Cincinnati but recently left school.

"He was really into cars. He lived for his car," said Justin Duh. He said Adams "was always working on his car," a Mitsubishi Eclipse, and was a BMX racer who had won national-circuit races.

Barrett said the last two days have been tough for the family, but she's been comforted by Kristen's friends who have come to visit and by her faith.

"We are a very strong Christ-centered family, and we know where our daughter is today. We have no doubt the Lord is taking care of her,'' Barrett said. "I find comfort in knowing she's in God's hands.''

She described her daughter as a hardworking young woman who would hang out at home with her friends and family, including younger brothers Andy, 15, and Alex Barrett, 13. Occasionally Kristen would go to movies or out to eat with friends, her mom said.

At Middletown High School, she volunteered as an office aide.

Counselors will be available at school today for students or staff who want to talk, a spokeswoman said.

Barrett took time from her remembrances of Kristen on Monday to make a plea to other teens.

"They need to appreciate life and be careful,'' Barrett said. "I want a life to change because of Kristen.''

The crash occurred at 11:08 p.m. Saturday in the 4700 block of Roosevelt Avenue. Adams' Eclipse struck a utility pole. He and Norris were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said speed was likely a factor.

Both later tested negative for alcohol use, the Butler County coroner's office said Monday.

Middletown Police Maj. Mike Bruck said investigators believe Adams' vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, most likely 70 mph or more, within a posted speed limit of 35 mph.

Further details, including a police report, were unavailable Monday because the department's records section was closed for the Presidents Day holiday, authorities said.

Visitation for Kristen will be Wednesday, 5-8 p.m., at Wilson Schramm Spaulding Funeral Home, 3805 Roosevelt Blvd. The funeral is 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with burial at Woodside Cemetery.

Arrangements for Adams were incomplete.