DUXBURY -- Steven Laramee was known as the kid who was always smiling or joking to help lift the spirits of friends and classmates.
During Duxbury High School's Valentine's Day festivities, Steven, 18, noticed a female classmate upset about not receiving a carnation, recalled classmate Katie Auer. The next day, he showed up at school and presented her with a rose.
"It was so sweet, the nicest thing I've ever seen," Auer said, fighting back tears Sunday during a vigil in memory of Steven.
The Duxbury High School senior died late Saturday night from injuries he suffered in a car accident Friday morning.
More than 500 people attended the vigil on Duxbury's town green Sunday to mourn the death of their friend and pray for the recovery of two others who were in the car with him.
Steven's brother Eion, a sophomore, and Steven's friend Spencer Meine, 17, also a senior, were both riding in the car. Eion, 15, was listed in good condition this morning at Boston Medical Center.
Spencer was listed in fair condition this morning at Massachusetts General Hospital.
On the Web site Facebook.com, Spencer's sister, Danica, said he has had one surgery on his pelvis and doctors expect he'll have another early this week.
Steven Laramee was driving a 1986 Audi station wagon south on Union Bridge Street toward Franklin Street when he apparently lost control of the car on the way to school.
Officials said the car was "horseshoed" around a tree. Firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to pull the car away from the tree and get passengers out.
All three teens were taken by helicopter to Boston. The cause of the accident is still under investigation, but speed was one of the factors being discussed, authorities said.
Mark Laramee, Steven and Eion's uncle, said the family is trying to hold it together for their surviving son, but have been going through a "roller-coaster of emotions."
"Steven's mother has been saying all weekend, he was a good kid, well loved and respected at school, and she couldn't have been prouder of him," Mark Laramee said.
Eion has been told about his brother's death, and while he remembers the accident, his uncle said many of the details are coming back to him slowly.
Students at the high school were notified about the accident later in the morning Friday, and the crash site on Union Bridge Road was a meeting spot for students all weekend.
Candles, flowers, stuffed animals and signs reading "Rest in Peace Steven," "We'll Miss You" and "Stay Strong" lined the road where glass and pieces of the Audi were still scattered over the ground.
Friends were eager to share memories of Steven, who loved wearing his striped rugby shirt, playing video games and working on his computer. He had just signed up for the crew team, and worked part time at Farfar's ice cream shop near the high school.
"Steven was a really smart kid, and he was a friend to everyone," Auer said.
Auer, along with dozens of fellow students, said she planned to go to Boston where their friends are being treated to wait for news.
Some students said that they were able to visit with Eion and Spencer on Saturday, and were prepared to wait as long as necessary.
Town residents of all ages attended the vigil, which included readings from clergy members, music, silent prayer and a candle-lighting ceremony.
In her 30 years as an educator, School Superintendent Susan Skeiber said she could not think of anything more upsetting than what happened.
"I know that the love, care and support I've felt in the last three days is what is going to make this community strong," Skeiber said.
Students were offered counseling at the Duxbury Student Union on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Principal Andrew Stephens will present more opportunities for students to meet with counselors in an announcement this morning, said Skeiber.
Mark Laramee said funeral arrangements for Steven were incomplete.
Kristen Walsh may be reached at Kwalsh@ledger.com.
We welcome your comments on our videos. Posts will be removed if they are in bad taste or contain obscenities, but they will not be edited. Thanks for your interest in our site.
patriotledger 4 years ago