Candlelight vigil held to remember, mourn 3 teens killed in Franklin County, Ill. crash

BENTON, Ill. (KFVS) - The Franklin County community gathered to mourn and remember the three high school students who were killed in a vehicle crash Saturday evening.

The vigil was held at 8 p.m. on Sunday, September 17 at Tabor Field in Benton, Illinois.

The city says the vigil was coordinated by community members as a way to come together, support and encourage one another.

In addition to the vigil, Benton Consolidated High School (BCHS) will have counselors and social workers available for students on Monday morning.

School leaders said additional information concerning supports will be announced as they become available.

Classes on Monday for BCHS students will run on an altered early dismissal schedule, according to the school’s Facebook page.

School leaders also announced the sophomore football game at Du Quoin and the boys golf match at Effingham were canceled on Monday, Sept. 18.

A couple counties south, in Johnson County, Vienna High School students and staff have been asked to show their support for the Benton and West Frankfort communities by wearing red or marron on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Vienna High School Superintendent Joshua Stafford said the student council will also be taking donations for the families of the victims through Sept. 22 and the school will also hold a prayer circle at 12 p.m. on Tuesday on the front lawn.

Students and all community members are invited to attend the prayer circle/moment of silence.

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