WSET.com - ABC13Ride in Memory of Brittni Coffey

Reporter: Sally Delta

Madison Heights, VA - Folks in Amherst County continue to find ways to honor the late 17-year-old Brittni Coffey. Sunday, at least 100 people met at the Food Lion in Madison Heights in an event they call Ride in Memory of Brittni Coffey. More than 50 cars all lined up to take about a 45 minute long drive, passing by Coffey's cemetery and wreck site.

"A few weeks after she was born I had it tattooed, 'Daddy's Girl' in ribbon with her initials in the middle," said Robert Coffey, Brittni's dad.

For Robert Coffey, the love so many have shown his daughter Brittni is overwhelming.

"It's just unbelievable," said Robert.

About 200 people who knew or knew of Brittni left their warm homes to wait in frigid, windy conditions to honor her.

"I knew on Facebook she had a lot of friends, but it really touched my heart to see how many lives she really touched; it made me happy," said Robert.

For them this is part of the healing process. Having the support from each other helps ease the pain.

"To talk about the memories you had and things you did together, and get your mind off of things, and let you smile and laugh and have a good time," said Nichole Robinson, Brittni's friend.

"And she would want this, she would want us driving for her memory, to remember all the good times," said Brittany Ennis, Brittni's friend.

Good times like the vacations, dances and just sitting in class together.

"Sitting in class, knowing she's not behind me, to get that little tap on the shoulder saying, 'Nichole, I don't understand this.' That's not there anymore," said Robinson.

But what is there - Brittni's memory permanently etched in their minds. And for Brittni's dad, a tattoo in memory of Brittni is a testament of his love for all to see.

"One 'B Starr' because there was only one Brittni Starr," said Robert.

The memorial caravan Sunday ended with a dinner at Chi Chan's in Madison Heights - the restaurant where Brittni used to work.