CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A vigil was held to honor the Ray High School students involved in a rollover accident after leaving graduation rehearsal on Tuesday.
Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo said that in times of hardship, coming together as a community can make all the difference.
Mayor Guajardo told 3 News an anonymous local business owner has stepped forward to pay for both students' funerals.
The crash happened after the two students had attended a graduation practice at the American Bank Center Tuesday morning.
There were four people in the car when it lost control and flipped at North Port Avenue and Broadway.
The crash is still being investigated and the condition of the two other students is unknown.
The two students were identified as 18-year-old Matthew Garcia and 18-year-old Marcello Saldua.
Among those who gathered at Heritage Park for the vigil were friends and family of the two victims who are leaning on each other during this difficult time.
"I just want to thank everyone for coming together tonight for showing their respect and love for the loss of the young kids we lost the other night," said Adrian Vela.
Vela tells 3NEWS he will remember his cousin Marcello as a good kid who loved to fish.
"He was a thriving young kid waiting to graduate like all the other kids. He was worried if he was going to make it, to make his mother and father proud," said Vela.
Mayor Paulette Guajardo was among the dignitaries who extended support to the families.
"Many people don't know each other here, but we are here together to try and bring peace and bring solace to the family," said Mayor Guajardo.
While folks might have been strangers, for one night they came together to stand in solidarity as Ray Texans.
"Certainly these graduates of the class of 2022 will be in our hearts tomorrow during graduation," said Roxanne Cuevas, Ray High School Principal.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Chairs will be reserved at Ray High School graduation for students killed in crash
- Ocean Drive revived: City to celebrate completion of Ocean Drive Rehabilitation Project
- Hurricane Season: Check your insurance coverage before storms threaten
- Corpus Christi NAACP holds prayer vigil to honor lives lost in Uvalde, Buffalo
- Sinton florist delivers flower arrangements for victims of Uvalde school shooting
- Corpus Christi veterans remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice
- Uvalde victim had her heart set on attending Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. They're now setting up a scholarship in her name.
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.