AUBURN —
Gathered together Monday, the Placer High School football team remembered two of their own.
“Both of them were really energetic, they’re both just family,” said one student.
The team is coping with the loss of 15-year-old Jared Gaches, and 15-year-old Trevor Keller. The freshmen football players died Sunday night, struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver.
“I got the text this morning, and I didn’t believe it until I got to school and saw the signs. People started signing the memorial, it’s really starting to set in, the worst part was when we walked by his locker today,” said one student.
Jared and Trevor’s lockers, one of many painful reminders that the two will never walk the hallways again.
“We both lost really good brothers, they were always there for us,” one student said.
Philip Ingram, 62, hit and killed the teens Sunday, the CHP said. He’s facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.
Players and coaches say now they’re left with only memories of happier times.
Coach Bryan Evensen shared an Instagram post by Trevor Keller after winning an award on his football team.
“I got this award tonight, but it’s not about one player, it’s about 11 guys out on the field working their heart out and a whole team working together,” he said.
The team is leaning on each other, trying to make sense of the grief.
“It wasn’t their fault, it’s a whole other reason not to get behind the wheel under the influence. When that happens it affects an entire community,” said one student.
A vigil will take place in front of Placer High School at 8:30 p.m. Monday to honor the teens.
