TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Tuesday night, members of the close-knit Northland Christian Church and Seaman High School community gathered to pay respects to Brenna Morgart.
Her family got to see her one last time earlier in the day.
"It was a very emotional time for the family," Northland's Lead Pastor R.D. Cogswell said. "It was a time when they were grateful to see her, but also when they realized she wasn't in her body anymore, that her spirit had gone to see the Lord."
It was difficult for them, he said.
The 18-year-old Seaman graduate planned to attend Kansas State University on a rowing scholarship after a summer lifeguarding at the Shawnee North Pool.
Some time friday, she was hit by a car during a walk near her home.
Authorities say the driver, 20-year-old Dustin Leftwich, then moved her body to a field three miles from the collision scene. His parents later alerted authorities, telling them their son was involved in the incident.
The Shawnee County District Attorney's Office says it will decide by Thursday what charges to file against Leftwich. He is being held on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping and aggravated battery. Bond was set at $1 million.
Pastor Cogswell said the family is not concerned with those details at this time. They are pushing through with the love and support of the community, he said.
Many arrived to Morgart's visitation in cars painted with the letters WWBD - they stood for "What would Brenna do?"
The family and community saw Morgart's spirit reflected at the church Tuesday night.
"The mood here is one of love and support," Cogswell said.
The Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center--where Morgart worked as a lifeguard the past two summers-- will not open until 2;00 p.m. Wednesday, so employees can attend her funeral. The service will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Northland Christian Church.
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