PHOENIX - Students and staff at Desert Vista High School are mourning after the school announced the death of one of its beloved students.
Alexandra DePriest passed away early Tuesday morning due to medical complications, according to a release from the school.
"It was the cutest, ugliest thing in the world," said Madison Garner, Alex's best friend, when describing her laugh. "She could be whispering and you could still hear her from miles and miles away."
At just 17 years old, Alex passed away. She was just a few months away from graduating from Desert Vista High School with plans to study nursing at Arizona State University.
"Her body just couldn't take it anymore. It was just her time," Garner said.
Alex was diagnosed with diabetes in fifth grade, but she never let it limit her. At school, students gravitated towards her and her positive personality. When school let out, she was a star on the volleyball team and manager of the boys' volleyball team.
"I think the biggest thing is what an impact this young lady has had and how she's affected other people and her personality," said Desert Vista volleyball coach Molly West.
Complications associated with diabetes ultimately led to Alex's unexpected death, leaving the Desert Vista community reeling.
"I'm really grateful to have had that type of relationship because I know I'm very, very, very lucky to have had that," said Garner.
Garner says the inseparable pair had a long list of plans for summer and throughout their college years, including going to Disneyland for Alex's 18th birthday. While it won't be easy, Garner will continue on with those plans and carry with her the positive spirit of her best friend.
"It's going to be different doing it alone, but I know it's something I have to do," Garner said.
Alex's family has set up a GoFundMe page to raise money for the American Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.
Garner tells 12 News being an organ donor was extremely important to Alex. Her organs will be donated as she requested, and her pancreas will be donated for diabetes research.
Students at Desert Vista are planning to honor Alex at Thursday night's volleyball games.
The school said it would share details about services for DePriest once information from the family is available.
Counselors are available for students and staff at Desert Vista.