EMORY, Texas — A memorial was held Wednesday night to honor and mourn three East Texas children who were killed in a car crash last weekend.
Community members, coaches, teachers and family members who are grieving the sudden loss of 14-year-old Alexander, 13-year-old Amara and 10-year-old Alvin Grandy gathered at Rains High School Wildcat Stadium.
"It's a small community and very tight knit, and especially when you have a group of kids that have spread out through three different schools," said Scott Delozier, Rains High School cross country coach. "It's been heartbreaking, but it's awesome to see how the community has come together and really embraced each other and embraced that family."
Fifth grade teacher Tiny Jones, who taught the youngest sibling Alvin, said she can't imagine the great sorrow that family members, especially their mother and father, are going through at this time.
"But with the children, we talked to them yesterday. They really handled it very well for young people, but they definitely miss him (Alvin) and they enjoy talking about him and sharing stories about him," Jones said.
Many emotions filled the Rains ISD Wildcat Stadium. The feelings were indescribable, but the community and family members' support was heartfelt.
"Looking up and seeing the sea of blue was really, really welcoming, knowing that they're not only here for our school, but here for the family. It's really, really heartwarming," said Rains Junior High School volleyball coach Jacquelyn Young.
Delozier said although he's experienced the loss of students in the past, it doesn't get any easier.
"You just put your faith in God and let Him carry you through it. That's the only way you can do it," he said.
Jones added that she had a difficult time coming back to school this week.
"Because I knew that I would have to pack up all his (Alvin's) things. And so it was a very hard time for me," Jones said.
Rains ISD stated Xander and Amara Grandy were both wonderful student athletes who represented what it means to be a Wildcat. District officials are asking people to keep the Grandy family and Rains ISD in their prayers.
"They were great kids all thinking through," Young said. "It's somebody who you want your own daughter to grow up to be like or your son. So just a really great family."
To help the Grandy family with expenses for the funeral services, visit the GoFundMe has been set up.