The community comes together to pray for a central Pennsylvania student injured in a dirt bike accident

DUBOIS, Pa. (WTAJ) — A community is coming together and asking for prayers after a Jeff Tech student continues to struggle with a traumatic brain injury.

On Thursday, May 16, people gathered outside DuBois Penn Highlands for a service ceremony and vigil to show their support for Nick Nicastro. Nick, a senior, is currently in the intensive care unit after being injured in a dirt bike accident on Tuesday.

Family, friends, classmates and community members ask for prayers as Nick’s journey continues. They added that the next three to five days will be crucial for his recovery. However, one thing is certain: he will not embark on this journey alone.

The vigil was held outside the hospital so Nick’s family could watch from his room. Dozens of people said prayers and sang worship songs as they asked each other for support.

Gavin Walls is a friend of Nick’s who also attends Jeff Tech and was driving with him when they were involved in the accident. He said he didn’t remember much about the accident and that he wouldn’t be able to fully recover until he knew Nick was okay.

“I remember crawling up an embankment that was about 60 feet high,” Walls said. “I checked to see if he was OK and he was out.”

Walls added that doctors told him it could have been worse if he hadn’t been wearing the helmet Nick gave him.

“Thank you because if he hadn’t given me that helmet I wouldn’t be here,” Walls added.

Kaden Clark, a lifelong friend of Nick’s and someone who even played high school football with him, was in class when he heard the news. He said his heart just fell.

“But the first thing that came to mind was that Nick is an outgoing boy,” Clark said. “He’s smart, he’s always been like that, he’s just always been there. He’s a good kid, so I know he’ll make it.”

Clark said if there was one message for Nick, it was that he would be okay.

“I love you, Nick, and when you get out of this, we need to get together. We’re gonna meet up and hang out, man. We’ll get together and do all the fun things you want to do, man. So, I love you, buddy,” Clark added.

Clark’s response echoes that of everyone at the vigil.