CARLSBAD — Hundreds poured onto the beach for an emotional and heartfelt vigil to remember a Carlsbad teenager who died after a car accident on June 24.
The rollover crash in Carlsbad claimed the life of Jack Munday, described as a vibrant, gregarious and funny 16-year-old. Another teen in the vehicle, Ethan Prestage, remains in a coma (as of deadline) after suffering serious injuries, including bleeding on the brain, according to friends.
Six other teens were injured, and Carlsbad police are still investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred at 2:20 a.m.
At the June 26 vigil, friends and family gathered at Hemlock Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard and Munday’s parents, Trey and Joanna, led the group down the stairs to the beach, where they circled around a photo of Jack Munday illuminated by numerous candles.
“Jack is looking down on us,” said Trey Munday. “To see this amazing support means so much to us.”
After the beach vigil, many in the group visited the memorial on Carlsbad Village Drive near Valley Street, where the accident occurred.
Jack Munday was an avid surfer, skateboarder and baseball player, his friends and family said. They said he was the funniest person they knew and are devastated at his loss.
When Joanna Munday, Jack’s mother, began to speak, the crowd raised their candles in solidarity with the grieving family and to show their support.
Joanna Munday said Jack was her best friend and, fighting through tears, asked for those present to always remember her son. She recalled his sense of humor, his engaging and caring personality and the love he had for his family.
“I am overwhelmed by the support,” Joanna Munday said. “The agony of losing Jack is unbearable. I ask that you never forget my son.”
Trey Munday read a letter from a former baseball coach recalling Jack Munday’s outgoing and lively personality. The coach described Jack as a great all-around player and said his appreciation for the teenager extends “beyond the baseball field.”
Friends have set up two GoFundMe accounts, one to cover Jack Munday’s memorial service costs and another for Ethan Prestage’s medical expenses.
1 comment
Heartfelt sorrow for Trey, the other kids, families, friends and the community-at-large. All are in our prayers.
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