MAPLEWOOD — More than 100 friends and relatives of the victims of a double-fatal car crash that sent waves of grief through Maplewood Tuesday night gathered for a prayer service at the scene of the wreck this afternoon.
Pastor Thomas Ellis, an outreach minister from Newark's Enough Is Enough coalition, led the group in song and prayer as they stood before a toppled tree and a collection of votive candles that marked the crime scene.
"We want to pray for comfort," Ellis said. "We want to pray for healing." Tamir Harry, 16, and Kevin Noel, 21, both of Maplewood, were killed after the Nissan Sentra they were riding in was struck by a 2013 Chrysler driven by 20-year-old Harrison Allen at the intersection of Essex Avenue and South 4th Street. Allen was allegedly drunk and speeding, and has been charged with their deaths.
Noel and Tamir Harry were ejected from the car and died at the scene, authorities said. Rodney Lovius, 21, and 20-year-old Tahsir Harry, who is Tamir's brother, remain in University Hospital in Newark in critical condition.
Today, friends said the Harry brothers were on their way home from a friend's house the night of the wreck. Tamir was remembered fondly as the youngest member of a group of neighborhood friends.
"He was a little comedian," said 19-year-old Danayah Herril. "He was so funny. He could just stand in a group and make a joke and make everybody listen."
Maplewood Mayor DeLuca also spoke during the service, promising to erect a four-way stop sign at the scene.
"Five lives were ruined that night," said DeLuca, adding that Allen "made a tragic, tragic mistake and he will pay dearly for it."
Allen is expected to appear in Superior Court in Essex County at 9 a.m. Friday, unless he posts bail, prosecutors said.
Ellis said the purpose of today's vigil was simple as he stared down the dozens of teenagers in the crowd.
"Drinking and driving don't mix!" he shouted.
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