Community gathers to remember Columbia teen killed in car crash

COLUMBIA, Ill. – More than 1,000 people attended the celebration of life for a Columbia, Illinois, teen who lost his life earlier this week in a deadly car crash. Family, friends, and community members filled the bleachers at Oerter Park for Crawford Bryant’s funeral Thursday.

“We feel like he was an angel on this Earth, and God let us have him for 15 years,” Jill Papenberg, Bryant family spokesperson, said.

Papenberg has known Crawford his entire life. She said the turnout for his celebration of life speaks volumes of the impact he had on those around him.

“His heart was just so huge. He was a silly, zany, just carefree, just lived life carefree, and he was just the unique, beautiful soul,” she said.

Family, friends, and Bryant’s soccer coach all shared stories about his many talents and kind heart.

“He played soccer, he swam, he did triathlons—not only did he do triathlons—but he placed in triathlons. He fished, he hunted, he was a gardener, he sang, but his biggest talent was his smile,” Papenberg added.

She said signs of Bryant have been felt throughout the week. They felt his presence again Wednesday at the soccer game, where his teammates honored him.

“The beautiful sky over the candlelight vigil earlier this week—we know that was him,” she said. “We honored him, and I think within the first minute of the game, they scored a goal. It’s just he’s here and he’s with us.”

The loss of Crawford is unimaginable, but Papenberg said his life will leave an everlasting impression on those who knew him.

“What we want everyone to do in Crawford’s honor is to be kind, work hard, be humble, be loyal, to smile, and just love always,” she said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.