Wichita Community Honors Young Man Killed in Tragic Accident
Wichita, Kan. — Friends and family gathered Saturday evening to honor the life of a 21-year-old man who died after being struck by a car earlier that morning. The vigil, held at the accident site, included lighting candles and releasing balloons as a tribute to his memory.
The victim, identified as Drew Graves, had just celebrated his 21st birthday on Thursday. According to his family, the weekend was meant to be one of celebration, making his sudden death an even greater tragedy.
“It didn’t feel real,” said Abby Graves, Drew’s sister. “I just saw him that morning. He was supposed to be out with his friends celebrating his birthday. It just didn’t feel real.”
Drew was remembered as a magnetic personality and a devoted family man. His sense of connection extended beyond his immediate family, as dozens of friends braved the cold December night to pay their respects.
“He was everything to them,” Abby shared. “He brought everybody together. He was their brother as much as he was my brother.”
Even in his passing, Drew continued to unite those who loved him.
“We’re going to miss him, and I don’t know how we’re going to keep going,” Abby said. “I really don’t.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Drew’s family to assist with funeral expenses. They hope to lay him to rest beside his brother, who passed away a few years ago.