A south Texas teen is calling on her local city council for justice after her best friend’s death, and she won’t back down.

David Gobellan, a 19-year-old from Mercedes, located at the Texas-Mexico border, was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bike in the city earlier this month, as reported by local news station KGBT. His funeral was held Saturday, September 15, on what would have been his 20th birthday.

After his death, David’s best friend Lauren Pitts asserted to Mercedes city council members that David’s death could have been prevented had the street been better lit and had a bike lane or if first-responders came to his aid sooner.

Lauren’s initial pleas to her city council members went unheard: According to News 4 San Antonio, the first time she spoke before them on September 11, they left the room, leaving her speaking to a row of empty chairs. Mercedes Mayor Henry Hinojosa later said that the council’s meeting had already adjourned when Lauren began speaking, so they were legally unable to stay and listen.

Lauren didn’t back down. She showed up to the council again Tuesday, reasserting her points — this time, to open ears.

“Due to this important accident, it sheds light to the matter that the streets need to be made safer,” Lauren said.