Dozens gathered Sunday afternoon in Royal Palm Beach to mourn 17-year-old Christian Larosiliere, who died in a single-vehicle crash in Gainesville.
Authorities said the crash occurred Friday night as Larosiliere left a basketball tournament. He was transported to HCA Lawnwood in Fort Pierce, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Memorial attendees convened at Lamancha Park, lighting candles and honoring Larosiliere's memory while wearing blue. Friends and family members shared feelings of loss and shared memories of his vibrant spirit.
David Alexis, a teammate on the varsity basketball team, expressed the impact of the loss. “It hurts… because we were just playing in the season with him,” he said. “I practice every day with him.” Alexis learned of Larosiliere's passing through a phone call.
Best friend Arshelie Amilcar remembered him as someone who uplifted others. “He was an energetic person… the person to lift people up,” she said. Nevaeh Harvey noted his various talents, including singing and playing piano, calling him an “overall great person.”
Born in Haiti, Larosiliere had aspirations to become a dentist. Loved ones described him as caring and full of life.
Alexis mentioned plans to honor Larosiliere's memory in the upcoming basketball season. “We should really have a great season next year just for Christian,” he said.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, according to authorities.
WPTV contributed to this report.