TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Friends of Tyriq Roberts reflected on his life Tuesday after he was killed in a hit-and-run accident Monday morning.
"I just can't believe it. Not Tyriq," said classmate Mykeria Andrews. "He's just gone too soon."
Classmates said Roberts was "the life of the party" -- a well-known and well-liked student who was focusing on graduating next year.
"It still feels like it's all just a dream," said classmate Taiyra Baker, "like it ain't really happen."
Roberts' death has rocked Rickards High School. The 17-year-old senior was on the road the day after Christmas when his car was hit.
"First thing I did, I called Ty's phone," friend Brian Knight said. "He didn't answer."
Messages flooded social media -- as people posted memories of Roberts.
"Whenever you see him around the hallways -- running, smiling, messing with people," classmate Tony Gant said. "Never was sad about nothing too long."
"A burst of joy," fellow classmate Jarvis Donaldson said. "He was always happy running around and making sure everybody else was happy."
Nicknamed "Lul Ty," friends said he was always upbeat and positive.
"We always have jokes in class, where we'll be fussing and fighting," said friend Trenesia Wilkins. "Sometimes, we get kicked out of class."
"You would never see him down, and for him to be gone, it just don't seem real," Baker said. "It can't be real at all."
Roberts was a drum major at Rickards, focused on passing the ACT exam and finishing high school.
Friends are gathering Friday at Jack McLean Park from 1 to 3 p.m. to remember Roberts. They plan to release balloons and wear shirts with his name and picture.
