Vigil for teenagers killed and injured in Big Lake accident

The Elk River Elks football team, along with family and friends, gathered at Fresno Park Monday night to wish a teenage car accident victim a speedy recovery.

Charles Gabrelcik was one of three teenagers involved in a car crash early Saturday morning.

“The boy loves fishing and playing hockey, football and baseball. He is always on the go, is funny and loves his family,” said Tracy Tougas, Charles’ aunt.

The 17-year-old is in critical condition, but family members said they are seeing positive progress and there are no signs of traumatic brain injury.

A prayer group of hundreds of people gathered in Fresno Park in the hope that Charles would return home.

“I couldn’t believe it. It’s just unreal. It’s horrible what happened to him and his friends. It’s a miracle he’s alive,” said Nate Gabrelcik, Charles’ brother.

The Elk River football team organized a vigil to show Charles that he is not fighting alone.

“Terrible, but we take one day at a time or one hour at a time,” Tougas said.

The 17-year-old was seriously injured in an accident in Big Lake early Saturday morning at around 2:45 a.m.

A Minnesota State Patrol incident report states that a Big Lake police officer was traveling south on Highway 25 when he noticed a BMW speeding near Tarrytown Road.

According to the report, the officer turned around to stop the car when the BMW went off the road near Pleasant Avenue.

Two of Charles’ friends, Donovan Paul Gobel and Anthony Scott Krider, who were in the car with him, died at the scene of the accident.

Charles is now fighting for his life in the hospital.

“He’s going to fight through whatever he’s going through. It helps that he’s hard on himself because he can do it and we all know it,” Charles’ teammate said.

Friends, family and teammates Facetimed Charles during the vigil to show him who will be waiting for him when he leaves the hospital.

“All this hate and everything that goes on in school, but when something like this happens, it’s like everyone comes together and shows their love for the person,” said Chloe LaForce, a vigil participant.

A GoFundme campaign has been set up to support the family and Charles’ road to recovery.