Families, friends and local residents came together for a time of mourning and remembrance of the three teens who tragically passed away following Saturday’s crash south of Emporia.
A special candlelight vigil was held at the scene of the accident on Road 147 near Road J Tuesday evening.
The vigil honored the memories of 17-year-olds Chase Luby and Shelby Phoenix as well as 13-year-old Paxton Luby who died after a car driven by Chase Luby went off the road into the Cottonwood River upside-down Saturday evening. car was fully submerged when authorities arrived and all inside had perished. One teenager in the car, Ashley Edwards, survived and was taken to Newman Regional Health for observation.
During the vigil, Burlington resident and long-time friend of Chase Luby Kamron Clay spoke of their relationship.
A close friend of Phoenix’s reminisced about her positive attitude and willingness to build up others.
Local resident Randall Kurton also spoke Tuesday and expressed the importance of living life to its fullest.
Memorial funds have been set up to honor the victims and support their families in this time of tragedy. Emporia State Federal Credit Union is accepting donations for the Chase and Paxton Luby Memorial Fund, while a GoFundMe page has been set up to offset funeral expenses for Shelby Phoenix.
To donate to the Luby Memorial Fund, drop off or mail donations to either ESFCU branch — 310 West 12th or 2332 Industrial Road. To donate to Phoenix’s GoFundMe page, find the link on KVOE.com.
A second vigil is planned for Friday at 8 pm at Jones Park.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}051221 Candlelight Vigil{/gallery}
