Hundreds join candlelight vigil for teens killed in crash

1702

Against a gentle sunset, hundreds of friends, family members and classmates lighted candles tonight in memory of lives gone too soon. See the gallery.

The gathering at Copper Sky Regional Park honored Josiah Abbott, 15, and Morgan Martin, 14, friends who died together in a one-vehicle rollover Christmas night.

At the center of the candlelight vigil was Abriana De Quarto, who was shaken by the news of the tragedy.

“I felt so helpless that I wasn’t doing anything for their passing,” she said.

Abriana shared her concerns with her mother and soon the memorial was organized and an event page was posted. Just as many of Josiah’s and Morgan’s friends learned of the accident over social media, they learned of the memorial the same way and turned out on a cold night to pay tribute.

Abriana said the large turnout “makes me feel so strong.”

Stephanie Herrera, who laid flowers at a heart of candles with Morgan’s friend Thalia Quintanilla, 11, and her mother Sandra Quintanilla, said the vigil was an opportunity to “be around people who are feeling the same thing.”

Attendees gathered at the community Christmas tree beside the lake, lighted candles and released balloons in the last light of day. Abriana thanked the crowd for participating, Pastor Rusty Akers led a prayer, and Councilmember Henry Wade shared words about the strength of community.

But the event was mostly a time of silent reflection and small groups sharing the shock of what had happened.