Hundreds mourn 4 Brownsburg teens killed in crash

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (WISH) — The Brownsburg community came together Sunday evening after tragedy. Four students killed in a car crash last week were remembered at a vigil.

Mathew Chambers, Lucas Sanders, Riley Hurst and Noah Tex were remembered as best friends who loved life and their community. And their community loved them back.

Their friend, Ryan Rickenbacker, is recovering in the hospital.

“We could all come together, pray together, like the pastor said, hug each other, share a kind word,” said Becky Rexroth, whose son goes to Brownsburg High School.

“We all are able to trust each other, able to open up more,” said Blake Dotlich, a Brownsburg student.

Hundreds attended the vigil Sunday.

“Even if you weren’t friends or didn’t know each other, people are getting together so quickly helping everyone out,” said Carter Davis, another student.

The crash happened on State Road 37 near Cragen Road in Morgan county Wednesday night. State troopers say they’re still investigating why the car went over the median, hitting another car.

Parents and family members of the students spoke Sunday, including the parents of Mathew Chambers, the student who was driving.

“I just can’t tell you how sorry we are to all of you,” said Jennifer Chambers. “Those boys, I mean, they would call me mom, second mom. They slept at my house so many nights.”

“A lot of us parents may not have known these boys individually, but do know the pain they could be going through as a parent,” said Rexroth.

And in the parking of their high school, listeners heard one of the greatest life lessons from the mother who lost so much.

“Seatbelts do save lives, and it’s been proven. Whether you are five minutes from home or an hour from home,” said Chambers.

The only person to survive that crash is the only one who was wearing a seat belt.

Classes resume at Brownsburg on Tuesday. Grief counselors will be available.