Friends, Family Mourn Stoughton High Victims

Story by James Bentley

AVON, MA — Teary eyes filled the auditorium at Grace Church while family, classmates, and friends mourned the loss of four Stoughton High School students who died yesterday in an East Bridgewater car crash.

Grace Church held the service for Christopher Desir, Eryck Sarblah, Nick Joyce, and David Bell. Though their families were not members of the church, many of their friends were, Missions and Community Service Director Chaneika Polk said.

"We felt it was important that if their friends are hurting, you know we want to reach out to them for those families," said Polk.

Most of those friends sat in the front few rows of the auditorium. Several wore their Stoughton High School jersey’s in support of their former teammates and friends.

Amanda Barucci, Bell’s girlfriend of four years, said her and their friends remembered David for his outgoing personality, referring to him as the “class clown.”

Barucci said, “He was amazing. He always put a smile on someone’s face.”

There were too many good memories to say which was her favorite, she said, but meeting him for the first time stands out. "We met in history class," said Barucci. "He would always yell at me for being late."

Taleau Gandy, a friend of Barucci, was friends with all the victims. She said she appreciated what the service tried to do.

"They tried, but it’s going to take a while to grieve my friends," Gandy said. "They were close to me."

The church service helped friends and family grieve by inviting others who’ve gone through similar ordeals to share their tragedies and lead the group in prayer.

Sylvia and Henry Plathe’s son Eric was hit by a commuter rail train in Dedham a few years ago. He was only 13.

"On February 2, 2016, my life changed forever," Sylvia Plath told attendees. "I thought my life was over. I thought, what do I do now?"

Henry Plathe led the service in a prayer. Eric’s two brothers were also present to offer their support.

"I’m praying for you all," Sylvia Plath said. "My heart is broken for you as a grieving mom."

Stephanie Fields also offered support. Her daughter died during a medical procedure when she was 19.

"There really are people who know how you feel and are willing to help," she said, nothing the pain of losing a child or friend at a young age might lessen over time, but it never goes away.

Grace Church Pastor Sean Sears said professional licenses counselors were also available for anyone who wanted to talk. The counselors are members of the church who offered to be resource, Polk said.

Another memorial service is taking place Monday night at 6:30 at St. James Church in Stoughton.

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