Four young lives were ripped from their families, and the community is struggling to make sense of it.

Crowds gathered Saturday at 6:30 p.m., surrounding the gazebo in Palmerton Borough Park.They arrived in groups of two or three or more, typically with heads bowed.The cold air was heavy with a cathartic expression of collective grief. Many hugged each other and cried.All seemed to express the same sentiment: "I can't believe this happened."The candlelight vigil was arranged by Melissa Hollenbach, Palmerton, mother of Nate Murray and Courtney Anne Murray, two of four teens killed Friday night in a fiery two-car crash on Dairy Road in Lower Towamensing Township.Two others are hospitalized with injuries.Police have not released the names of the victims. But the estimated 350 who converged on the park were there to provide a show of support to the Hollenbach family.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."Hollenbach indicated that the Palmerton Area School District would provide counseling at school beginning Monday.She added this message to her Facebook page: "Fly high my angels. You will be forever in our hearts and prayers."The news of the deaths stunned the close-knit community."I'm in shock," said Hailey Behler, 13, of Palmerton, attending with Melissa and Gerard Getz, Parryville. "Courtney was supposed to come over to our house tonight for a sleepover."Behler said she became a friend of Courtney when they attended sixth grade together. Her uncle, Ronald Behler, was one of many volunteers who helped at the scene, she said.Melissa Getz was one of a few attendees who spoke of the dangerous roadway where the crash took place."I got hit there by a motorcycle when I was three," she said, noting that the road is narrow.Gerard Getz, volunteer firefighter, is a friend of the Hollenbach family. He said the outpouring of concern is lifting."It's great to see there's support here. It's just tremendous," said Getz.Janet Smith, Mahoning Valley, said the timing of the tragedy is especially sad."What kind of Christmas will this be for all of us," she asked.After Hollenbach addressed the crowd, the group sang "Silent Night," followed by "Amazing Grace."Emotions were understandably raw.As a precaution, Palmerton Borough Police stationed two uniformed officers at the vigil.Some attendees indicated that another vigil will take place at the park Monday night in memory of another of the four victims.State police at Lehighton are investigating the accident aided by an accident reconstruction unit.