RAVENNA, Mich. — More than 900 people gathered on Ravenna High School's baseball field Friday night, mourning the loss of a 10-year-old girl.
Erika Kubasiak was pronounced dead at the scene of a car crash Thursday. Her sister, Emily, 18 and brother Peter, 16, were critically injured.
The siblings were on their way to schoolwhen police say their vehicle struck another head-on. Grief counselors were on hand in Ravenna for students and staff dealing with the tragic loss.
Friday evening, the Ravenna community held a vigil to show their support.
Cries rang out among sky lanterns, prayers, luminaries and candlelight.
"This community is like a family and when one person hurts, we all hurt", said Wetzig, the pastor of Ravenna Baptist Church.
Wetzig told FOX 17 it's faith that's helping the family and community stay strong.
"It’s just awesome the way the community came together. We’ve seen prayers all over," Wetzig said. "I’ve been at the hospital the past few days with the family and there has been people in and out of the hospital, students, parents, all lifting their spirits up for the family."
Krista Zilka organized the vigil and told us she was shocked by what happened.
"It just kind of broke my heart," said Zilka. "We do have hope that everyone in the family is going to pull through."
During the vigil, a friend of the family updated the community on Emily and Peter's conditions.
He said both Emily and Peter are in intensive care, however, Emily is doing a bit better.
Unfortunately, Peter's condition has stayed the same.
As for the family, Wetzig told FOX 17, "They’re holding pretty strong right now, I’ve been pretty impressed."
The Kubasiak family are active parishioners at St. Catherine's in Ravenna. The Catholic Diocese says that the parish has set up a fund for the family to help cover medical and funeral expenses. It's the Kubasiak Memorial Fund, and donations can be made to any Choice One branch.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family and if you'd like to donate click here.
