Student killed in crash remembered

BATAVIA, N.Y. (WIVB) - In western New York, the Batavia community is grieving publicly over a young life cut short. A vigil Tuesday remembered a high school student killed in a weekend crash.

Dozens of students came together to remember the life of their classmate and to begin the long process of healing. Candles lined the walkway of Batavia High School. Many students gathered outside and formed silent prayer circles. Many say they were in disbelief when they heard the news.

Kali Ace said, "My cousin told me about it, and when she first told me, I accused her of lying. I didn't want to believe it."

Seventeen-year-old Collin Crane was driving on State Route 33 in the Town of Stafford Saturday night. Police say he swerved and hit an oncoming car head-on. The driver of that vehicle, 49-year-old Carmen Vega, has serious injuries. Crane was pronounced dead at the scene.

Anthony Pariso said, "Really likable kid, always putting a smile on kid's faces. I mean, I think this pretty much speaks for itself, everyone really truly liked this kid."

"We were really close when we were younger. He was so funny and so much fun, he was always making jokes and he could always make me laugh," said another vigil attendee.

Crane was an avid athlete. He was on the school baseball team but many say his real passion was hockey.

Matt Grace said, "It's hard to think about someone that you grew up with and saw most of your life not be there anymore. Just makes you appreciate everything that you have around you."

Funeral services for Crane will be held Wednesday morning in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, his family is asking that memorial donations go to the Genesee Amateur Hockey Association.