Grieving Crook County community comes together, holds candlelight vigil in wake of tragic crash

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A grieving and supportive Central Oregon community came together Monday evening to support two families after tragedy struck two Crook County teens over the weekend.

A public vigil was held at Crook County High School to honor 15-year-old Tyler, who died in a motorcycle crash Saturday night, and to pray for Trent, also 15, who remained in critical condition.

Crook County sheriff's deputies said the crash happened around 9:23 p.m. Saturday on Southeast Indian Lane. Investigators say the two motorcycles collided head-on. Tyler died at the scene and Trent was flown to St. Charles Bend with life-threatening injuries.

Tyler's aunt, Tonya Robinson, told us the community was doing all it can to "lift up both these families and be there for them. Carrie Bauer started what we call the "meal train," for meals for these families. We've also started GoFundMes, because no mother or father should bury their child."

Blake Ridgeway, Tyler's cousin, told us, "I never had a little brother growing up. Tyler was that little brother that I never had. We always got into trouble, did stupid stuff together. And I got the call.

"I couldn't believe it, didn't want to believe it," Blake said through the tears. "And then it finally set in. I realized my - my little brother's gone."

The Crook County Sheriff's Office says alcohol is not believed to be a factor, but the investigation continues.