High school student attends prom with boyfriend’s father after son dies in car crash

‘This just made my heart explode’

A student who was left heartbroken after her boyfriend tragically died in a car crash weeks before the happy couple were supposed to attend their high school prom together managed to attend the event - accompanied by his father.

Kaylee Suders, 18, and Carter Brown, 19, had been close friends for three years before becoming romantically involved 11 months ago.

After his sudden death, Carter's father Robert Brown set out to ensure Suders still enjoyed her prom night, asking if she would allow him to escort her in his son’s place.

(Facebook/Kelly O'Neil Brown (Facebook/Kelly O'Neil Brown)

Suders was deeply touched by the offer, as she had originally decided she would forgo prom altogether, telling Yahoo she thought she’d find the evening too sad in light of her boyfriend’s absence.

Robert phoned Suders’ high school to ask permission from them before asking the teen herself.

“They both had a great time. Kaylee had so much fun getting ready," said Robert's wife - and Carter’s mother - Kelly.

"They took Carter’s car and had dinner before the dance at the restaurant where Kaylee and Carter went on their first date.

“I hope this will be a memory that she will cherish.”

Suders and Robert can be seen enjoying one another’s company on the night in a series of photographs posted on Facebook by Kelly.

“Add this to the list of reasons why I love my husband,” she wrote.

“Since Carter couldn’t escort Kaylee to her prom, Robert stepped in. Kaylee, I know Rob wasn’t your first choice for a date, but he will forever be mine.”

The heartwarming images clearly touched the hearts of many, garnering more than 150 shares and 800 likes, with friends and family members offering support and lauding Robert for his kind gesture.

(Facebook/Kelly O'Neil Brown (Facebook/Kelly O'Neil Brown)

“Kelly and Rob.. this just made my heart explode,” commented one person.

“This is soooo awesome!!” added another.

“A bittersweet day, but what a great way to honour your son and keep him with you. Sooo beautiful!”

Suders has been welcomed into the Brown family since Carter’s death, with both of his parents explaining how the prom helped give them all a well-needed boost of positivity after what has obviously been an incredibly difficult time.

“Kaylee has become part of our family. I know one day she’ll fall in love again, get married, and have a fabulous life,” Kelly added.

“I hope to be there dancing at her wedding.”