Families, friends honor 3407 victims

CLARENCE CENTER, N.Y. (WIVB) - The crash may have happened three years ago, but for those who lost loved ones in the tragedy of Flight 3407, the pain is still fresh.

They gathered in Clarence Center Sunday night, exactly three years after the plane crashed into a house on Long Street, killing 50 people and an unborn child. Loved ones wrote the names of each victim on paper bags that were lit up with candles in honor of the lives lost, and rang a bell at 10:17 p.m., the exact time of the crash. The names of the victims were also read aloud at the crash site.

"You know, it was really hard. This was my first time reading from the list," said Jennifer West, whose husband died in the crash. "It's amazing how after three years I still can't say his name."

"It's really hard to describe the emotions you feel at a time like this," said Susan Burke, a sister of one of the victims. "We go one with our lives every day and yet tonight, three years ago comes back. Every bit of force that we felt that night."

The families have seen progress in their fight for airline safety since they last met at the site for the second anniversary . Congress passed and the FAA adopted new rules to combat pilot fatigue , which some blame for the 3407 crash.

"I take a lot of comfort in doing what we did," Burke said. "I personally get as much out of doing what I do as I do from the fact that it's improving aviation safety."

At the same time, the long-planned memorial at the crash site is also taking shape. It's expected to be completed and dedicated in June.

"It's where you can come and reflect or people can leave flowers," West said. "It's nice."

West also said that the lawsuit stemming from the crash may take until fall to move forward, rather than in March as expected.

You'll find our complete Flight 3407 coverage here .