CALHOUN COUNTY, Mich. -- Hundreds of students gathered Monday night at Harper Creek High School to remember a classmate killed in a weekend car crash.
It happened around 8 a.m. Sunday off Verona Road near 11 Mile Road after Chris Powell, 16, lost control of the car he was driving. The crash also sent Ethan Surprentant, 15, who was riding in the passenger seat, to the hospital. Powell died as result of the crash.
At the vigil, his father reflected on his son's life and told the crowd that adopting Powell was one of the best decisions of his life. As a toddler, Chris was adopted from El Salvador 14 years ago.
Powell was known among his friends as the rock of the group, who shined with a positive attitude, participating in football, wrestling and honors choir. His friends said it's going to be hard without him.
"Just knowing that I won't ever be able to see him or talk to him again just really breaks my heart," said Brittanni Potter. "School won't be the same. Choir won't be the same and football games won't be the same without him."
The high school principal recalled that Powell was an ideal student and was a pleasure to see in the hallway.
Powell's death is a tragedy that his friends said impacts the entire community.
His family requested the funeral take place in the high school auditorium. It's something not typically heard of.
The service is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday.
