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Metro East community honors and remembers 3 teens killed in car crash

Friday evening, balloons fly high, as families and friends hoping their love can reach heaven.

MONROE COUNTY, Illinois — A Metro East community is mourning the loss of three teenagers after a crash in Monroe County. 

Friday evening, balloons fly high, as families and friends are hoping their love can reach heaven.

Candles flicker, giving light to these dark times for this community.

On Tuesday, three teens were killed after crashing into a box truck near the intersection of Bluff and Trout Hollow roads near Valmeyer, Illinois.

The 18-year-old driver was Joshua Moate riding along with his two friends, 15-year-old Hailey Lattina and 13-year-old Savannah Amsden.

All three knew each other from the Dupo community.

Now this small town is coming together in a big way. Family members say the outpouring of support is what's helping them right now.

Moate's mom says her son loved hanging out with his friends and was excited for his future.

He worked at Pretzel Pretzel, having dreamed of opening his own pretzel store one day.

Amsden's teacher adds this was a shock to her, since she just spent the last two days with her student and saw her two hours before the accident.

Describing Amsden was described as having a big, caring heart. Lattina was remembered for being full of life and energy.

Friday evening, loved ones wore black, purple and blue, which are the favorite colors of the trio.

The group also colored the area where the tragedy happened, painting it with love for these three young souls.

Honoring their life and the moments together and remembering the impact they left behind.

As this was unexpected, families are now needing help for funerals.

All three have a GoFundMe link set up. Links are attached below.

GOFUNDME:

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