Community Mourns Bensalem Middle Schooler Killed Friday

The Bensalem community is mourning the loss of 13-year-old Gianni Forte, who died in an ATV crash Friday. He was a seventh-grade student at Cecelia Snyder Middle School and loved playing football for the Bensalem Ramblers, his obituary says.

Hundreds gathered Sunday at the Bensalem Ramblers football field for a vigil in Forte's honor, as well as to pray for Nick Rapino Jr. who was critically injured.

The crash happened Friday around 6 p.m. on Bensalem Boulevard and Ford Road, according to 6ABC. Police at the scene told the news network the children were riding the ATV in the street when they were hit by a car.

A GoFundMe page has been set up in support of the Forte family. "Gianni's Ride to Heaven" has surpassed its initial fundraising goal of $10,000.

Here is the full text of Forte's obituary via Tomlinson Funeral Home

Gianni F. Forte, age 13, died suddenly Friday January 27, 2017. Gianni was a student at Cecelia Snyder Middle School and was in the 7th grade. Gianni was very athletic and loved playing football for the Bensalem Ramblers. He also loved drawing, and riding his bicycle. He always had a smile on his face.

He will be sadly missed by his parents, John Forte and Jessica Hartman. Gianni was the dearest brother of Nicholas Forte; and grandson of Michelene Forte and Cornelia Hartman. He also is survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing 5 p.m. Wednesday, at Tomlinson Funeral Home, 2207 Bristol Pike, Bensalem, PA 19020, followed by his service at 8 p.m. Interment will be held privately in Resurrection Cemetery.