The cold air was heavy with a cathartic expression of collective grief.

They gathered Saturday at 6:30 p.m. around the gazebo in Palmerton Borough park, arriving in groups of two or

three or more, typically with heads bowed.

All expressed the same sentiment: "I can't believe this happened."

The candlelight vigil was arranged by Melissa Hollenbach, Palmerton, mother of two of four teens killed Friday night in a fiery-two car crash on Dairy Road in Lower Towamensing Township.

The four teenagers were killed Friday night when their car strayed into the oncoming lane of Dairy Road in Lower Towamensing Township and hit another car, injuring its occupants, driver Stacy Peddigree, 18, of Lehighton and passenger Tim Shiner, 22, of Palmerton.

Pedigree and Shiner are hospitalized with injuries.

Police have not released the names of those who died, but the estimated 350 who converged on the park were there to provide a show of support to the Hollenbach family, who lost Nate and Courtney Ann Murray.

Addressing the group from a position at the south side of the gazebo, Hollenbach displayed both courage and

profound sorrow.

"I can't talk right now," she said at first, crying. "There are no words I can say," as she was comforted by family and

friends.

Regaining her composure, Hollenbach offered words to all motorists.

"If I ever see anyone speeding on my road, God help you," she sobbed. "You're not doing this to any other kid."

The news of the deaths stunned the close-knit community.

"I'm in shock," said Hailey Behler, 13, of Palmerton.

"Courtney was supposed to come over to our house tonight for a sleepover."

Another vigil is planned at the park Monday night in memory of the four victims.

State police at Lehighton are investigating the crash, aided by an accident reconstruction unit.

A fund has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses for the children:

http://www.gofundme.com/j4sy24See Monday's Times News for more details about Saturday's vigil and the fatal crash.