GIBSONVILLE, N.C. — A prayer vigil was held for the Lattero family and other victims who were lost in a tragic car accident on NC-61 July 9.
The town of Gibsonville stood along the sidewalk in front of the Lattero family restaurant Sunday.
Thoughts were expressed and prayers were lifted for all families impacted by the incident.
The prayer vigil was put on by longtime family friend Nicki Elliott who said she wanted to have a special moment and pray for all three families.
“I think it’s very important because sometimes you feel alone when something like this happens and when you look around or you turn the TV on and you see the community coming together as one because you’ve lost a loved one and you have one that’s hurt,” Elliott said.
Fire District 28 Chief Kenny Apple as well as longtime family friend Ciara Hinson were also at the prayer vigil. Both said it's important for the Lattero family to know the community is standing behind them.
"It was just a really beautiful service and nice vigil. It was great that they put this together, it’s really important for the family to know that they have community support right now and obviously Gibsonville is such a great place to live. This community, every time, has always been very tight-knit, it definitely shows today," Hinson said.
Chief Apple added saying, "it’s a tragic event that happened it was an accident and all we can do now is love on them and pray for them."
The funeral for 15-year-old Sarah Martin was Saturday and 26-year-old Anna Lattero was held Sunday.
Alexio was released from the hospital and is improving physically.
The family asks for continued prayers during this time.
"On behalf of the Lattero Family, they just want to express their deepest gratitude to the community, to everyone, to Nicki for putting this (vigil) together, for everyone that has donated, called, sent food, they feel very very loved and supported right now," Hinson said.
Earlier this week, many businesses in the town of Gibsonville came together to start a fund for the Lattero family. Now, they're gathered in prayer Sunday as they continue to support all the families involved in a deadly crash.
North Carolina State Highway Patrol said 16-year-old Alexio Lattero lost control of his Dodge Charger, crossed the center lane and hit a car.
Greensboro firefighter Rick Murrell, as well as two passengers in Alexio Lattero's car, 26-year-old Anna Lattero, and 15-year-old Sarah Martin, died from their injuries.
Communities continue to pour out an abundance of support for the family members who are grieving.
Rick Murrell was a 33-year veteran firefighter with the Greensboro Fire Department. The department said Murrell earned the rank of Engineer, worked at Station 5 for most of his career, and was an example firefighter for those who knew him.
Murrell was a husband and father of three children, ages 17, 19, and 21.
15-year-old Sarah Martin was also in the car with Alexio Lattero and Anna Lattero.
Sarah Martin's cousin Taylor Cook said she is someone you always wanted to be around. She loved to jet ski around the lake, hunt with her dad and loved the outdoors.
Martin was a straight-A student and a rising junior at Glenn High School. She was part of the academic club, and creative writing club, and was active in the technology department of theater.
Anna Lattero was Alexio Lattero's sister. She was inside the car with him during the crash. Family and friends said those two were inseparable and the best of friends. She was 26 years old.
Anna worked at a pizza place and gift shop in Gibsonville.
The family said she was friendly, took pride in being someone you could rely on, and was also known to be the "cool aunt."
Her family said she loved her nephew and would take him out to the park and give him sweet treats.
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