From the moment they became friends at Hays High, Kara Davis could always count on a smile from Aspen Salazar.

The infectiousness of Salazar’s grin, paired with a distinctive laugh, played a role in what made her such a recognizable, memorable person to many. Such were traits that Salazar, a 2015 Hays High alumna, always carried and never let go. 

“Aspen was goofy, sarcastic and frank, but at the same time, empathetic and friendly,” Davis said. “It was hard not to know wh...