FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ill. (WSIL) -- More than 200 people from across the community and county converged on Benton High School Monday night. The group was there for the marker of a difficult and somber anniversary. One year ago, on September 16, 2023, three Benton teens were killed in a tragic car crash. The group gathered to remember and honor teens, Landen Agnitsch, Joecy Padavic and Bradley Williams.
Those in attendance told News 3, the memorial celebrates their friend's memory and helps them continue to heal.
"You're never going to heal from this kind of thing," explained a Benton student, as they lingered on the outer fringe of the memorial on Monday evening.
Students, friends and family agree, it was a day that changed their lives forever. One year later, people who knew them, came together to honor their memory.
Joecy's uncle, Brad Wilson, says it continues to be difficult some days, but he's grateful for the care the community has shown.
"It brings the feelings back. Of course, for the family, it doesn't go away," Wilson explained. "It's something you deal with every day. But it's nice to see the community come together. They've been supportive the entire time"
Lexi Price is one of Joecy's childhood friends. She designed memorial pieces in honor of her classmates. She says, she makes them to feel closer to Jocey.
"I knew Jocey," Lexi said, "I just want to honor her with the memorial pieces"
Kirk Kay was one of the speakers at the memorial. Kay is a pastor in Benton and worked with families on grief and faith. He tells us, gatherings like these will help people heal from this loss.
"It is so easy to find ourselves looking backwards," Kay said. "I think speaks toward the heart healing that can then take place."
The Benton Consolidated High School chose a communal spot to place three picnic tables and a plaque in honor of the teens. The tables are located in the concession area of Tabor Field.
