Community vigil for three young men killed in a car crash in Crawford County

Hundreds of loved ones gathered at Christ’s Family Church in Chicora to show their support and tell their stories of the three young men killed in a tragic car crash Saturday night. The large crowd was a testament to how much the men were loved. “I’m glad so many people came out and were able to be a part of it. It just shows how the community works and how you can all come together and pray,” Faith Burkett said.On Saturday night around 8 p.m., Crawford County Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Centerville Road in Athens Township. 21-year-old Ronald Parisi, 19-year-old Joshua Boettner and 17-year-old Levi Deal were pronounced dead at the scene. State police say the vehicle left the road and struck a tree. Their loved ones recounted how they learned the news. “Devastated. Heartbroken. Too young. I didn’t believe it at first. I didn’t believe it at first,” said Faith Burkett and Alexandria Meales. In the midst of the pain and grief, one man stepped into action and quickly organized a place where emotions could run free and people could grieve together. “I called Pastor John and asked, ‘Hey, what can we do to bring the community together?’ And he said, ‘Let’s have a vigil here. My schedule is full, how can it be 7 o’clock already?’ So I put up a post about four hours ago and you know, there was a line outside,” said Zach Scherer. Everyone gathered to share their fondest memories, laugh, hug, stick together during a difficult time and remember how much these young men were loved. And now their friends and family are sharing messages. “Watch out. You have to be careful on the road, this is not something to play with,” said Zach Scherer. The cause of the accident is still under investigation.