Vigil Honors 3 Teens Killed By Wrong-Way Driver On I-80
EL DORADO HILLS (CBS13) – Candles spell out three initials on a hilltop as house music plays in the background and more flickering tea lights line the park.
But at the center, a makeshift memorial tells the story.
"I think this is amazing, it was overwhelming," Nate Lowe said.
It was a true celebration, honoring the lives of three teenagers – Matt Azar, Kendra Langham and Mathew Beardwitt – killed by a suspected drunk driver heading the wrong way on Interstate 80.
"That's what all three of the kids would have wanted. They wouldn't want any of us to be sad or crying, they would want us to be happy celebrate the lives they led," said Deana Galtieri, Matt's aunt.
Galtieri says the teens were on their way home from a concert when they were struck.
The tragedy has impacted hundreds of people they've never met.
"We didn't know our kids touched so many people," Galtieri said.
Friends and family have raised money, receiving donations from strangers as far away as Hawaii.
Cameron Oates started a GoFundMe account which has risen close to $9000 in less than a week.
"They're basically like my hope and always in my heart every day," Oates said.
Their stories are also changing lives.
"I've just come to realizing just how short life is. Me and a lot of close friends have stopped drinking," Lowe said.
An unspeakable tragedy now inspiring a community.
Another fundraiser will be hold for the teens on Sunday, Jan. 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Beach Hut Deli in Granite Bay.