Johnston County School holds vigil to honor students killed in I-95 crash
On Wednesday night, a crowd filled the football stadium at a Johnston County high school to remember and pay tribute to the lives of five students.
The stands were filled, but there was a hole in the Smithfield Selma High School community.
"In these moment of profound loss let us remember their lives," Crystal Gregory, Principal said.
The ceremony paid tribute to the lives of five students who passed away since November, including four individuals who lost their lives in a fatal crash off I-95 early Monday morning.
"I mean, they're 14 to 18 years old. They shouldn't have to be dealing with this," Ellen Morgan, the teacher, said.
According to state troopers, 17-year-old Alan Lockamy was driving more than 100 miles per hour when he crashed into a tree.
He and all three passengers, Christopher Jackson, Semaj Williams, and Freddy Serus, died.
"They came up through the schools in our area, they played sports, they were friends, they were family members," Gregory said.
People who attended took the time to share memories of who they were.
"My favorite thing to do was play board games and cards with him," Terry Marquez, Alan Lockamy's Nana, said.
They also shared how they'll be remembered.
"There has not been a minute that I haven't thought about you," Marquez said.
A school community came together to lift each other after a painful set of losses.
"I promise you a new day is coming," Gregory said.
There are staff available for grief support for these students.
There is also a temporary memorial inside the school doors.
