Hundreds of mourners gathered at Hemet's West Valley High School on Monday night for a candlelight vigil to remember two young men killed in a car crash over the weekend.
The two victims were identified as Christian Griffith and Andre Vega.
Griffith, was a well-known actor in the school’s theater department before graduating in 2013. Friends and family said he wanted to be a Hollywood star, but now his parents will never see that dream realized.
"They're just coping, they're just trying to do whatever they can,” said rayden Bland, the victim’s stepbrother.
Griffith was celebrating his 20th birthday on Saturday when he was killed when the Hyundai SUV he was riding in rolled over about 11:15 p.m. on Domenigoni Parkway. According to Hemet police, his girlfriend was speeding when she lost control. She was severely injured, along with three other passengers.
Griffith’s longtime friend, Vega, was a star athlete at the school. He played his last high school football game on Friday.
On Monday, counselors were brought in to help students and teachers deal with the tragedy.
"They're pretty sad and shocked. A lot of the teachers are sad too," said student Rylee Lenton.
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For family members, the loss of two young talented people is a reminder that life is sometimes far shorter than it should be.
"I'm sad that it was Christian but it also opens my eyes that I'm mortal," Bland said.
Right now it’s still unclear if drugs or alcohol played a role in the crash. No one has been arrested so far.
