In the wake of a tragic accident that left three graduates of Broward County high schools dead, the communities of Parkland, Coral Springs, and Tallahassee are grieving.

On September 6, in Tallahassee, Douglas alumnus Kevin Boos got into a Chrysler P.T. Cruiser with JP Taravella alumni Vincenzo Libio and Morgan Carr, as well as Coral Springs Charter graduate Niko Bonilla. At 9:15 P.M., the vehicle was lifted in the air by the impact of a Dodge Challenger traveling at a speed that “seemed like 100 miles per hour,” as phrased by a witness. The Cruiser landed on the side of the road, as the Challenger continued to spin. The drivers sustained injuries but survived. The three passengers, all current students or graduates of Florida State University, were not nearly as lucky. Twenty-two-year-old Morgan, 21-year old Carr, and 22-year old Boos all lost their lives.

While traffic homicide investigators continue to evaluate evidence and witnesses, family and friends of the three victims mourn. The Douglas community, in particular, grieves the loss of Kevin Boos, a former eagle who graduated in 2014. Originally from Tamarac, Boos went on to study at FSU and join Epsilon Sigma Alpha, which posted a Facebook statement honoring Boos for his “love of life” and his kind-hearted philanthropic efforts.

Even in death, Boos continues to work toward a cause. The tragic loss of lives on September 9 serves as a constant reminder of the importance of constant awareness and responsibility in the operation of a vehicle.