I never got to know you,

although I wish I had.

The tragic news that we had lost you

made me so very sad.

We heard the news on the radio and on the TV:

"There's been a fatal car crash and in it we've lost three."

The accident killed three of our Massapequa Chiefs:

two others were hurt badly: the rest of us left, filled with grief.

Girls sobbing through their tears,

Yours was a short life, just 18 years.

Guys holding back tears of sorrow, trying to be strong,

To think that an 18-year life is not very long.

Everyone filled with tears in their eyes,

no one got to say his or her goodbyes.

Silently and somberly we walked through the halls after hearing the news,

no one expected it was you we would lose.

You and the others were all so young,

just a bunch of teenagers out having fun.

A night of fun led you to your graves,

And the ones who are fighting, we pray that their lives might be saved.

Your seats in class will remain empty from now on,

It's hard to believe that in the blink of an eye you were gone.

Your deaths have changed me, though I never knew your names,

After hearing the tragic news of this accident, I will never be the same.

¬ Jennifer Viola

Dec. 3, 1998

In memory of those who lost their lives on Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1998.

To those who died too young, may you rest in peace.

To those who were injured, we wish you a quick recovery.

You and your loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers, always.