Russellville community holds candlelight vigil for teen killed in crash

The Russellville community gathered Thursday night to remember high school sophomore, Elizabeth Eidson, who was killed in a crash Wednesday night.

Eidson, 16-years-old, was killed while driving to school.

Russellville High School principal Chris Mitchell told ABC 17 News on Wednesday that this is the “toughest day we’ve had.”

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, a garbage truck was stopped in the eastbound lane of Route C and was struck in the rear by a Pontiac driven by Eidson. Troopers say the car then hit a pedestrian as the car traveled off the right side of the roadway.

The candlelight prayer was at the High Point Baseball field where more than 100 people showed up. Teammates, classmates, friends and family had a moment to share there favorite memory of Elizabeth. Almost everyone said she got along with everybody, had no enemies, was kind and loved to smile.

Classmates and friends told us it was heartbreaking when they first heard the news in class.

“When I first heard what happened my heart dropped I couldn’t breathe I sat there and the tears just started falling,” Sara Brandt said.

Grief counselors will still be at the school district until Elizabeth’s funeral.