Students, Families Join Together During Memorials and Reception for Caleb Sweeten and Brandon Rich

Caleb Sweeten and Brandon Rich lost their lives Sunday, May 5, 2013, during a boating accident on the Pascagoula River. A  displays programs provided to students at a dual memorial at Pascagoula High School Gymnasium on Wednesday, May 8.

PASCAGOULA -- Panther Nation students are still weeping for their two friends and classmates who died Sunday during a knee boarding accident on the Pascagoula River.

Brandon Rich and Caleb Sweeten were honored Wednesday during a dual memorial at the Pascagoula High School Gymnasium.

Student Cindy Garay said she is doing good, staying strong. "This week we have a track meet. We're running for Brandon. He made it to state with us and we are going to represent him well," she said.

Student-athlete Tisdale Simms, said the loss of Caleb Sweeten has been hard. "We worked out together; we were partners for the whole year. It's hard, it's real hard."

He said Pascagoula's football team has been coping with their grief by working hard for Caleb and visiting with his grandmother and doing things for her.

School officers stand outside the gymnasium at Pascagoula High for a memorial Caleb and Brandon.

Students, parents, community residents fill the gymnasium for a dual memorial at PHS.

Students line the foyer at PHS gymnasium listening to speakers at the dual memorial on Wednesday.

Teachers and adults gather with students from Pascagoula, Moss Point, Gautier and Ocean Springs.

A dual memorial featured families of Brandon Rich and Caleb Sweeten, and Moss Point athletes.   

 

Students bow their heads while Youth Pastor Jonathan Watts leads prayer.

 

 

 Students embrace each other during the program. Coach Lewis Sims also spoke to the audience.

More than 1,800 students and adults attended the memorial at PHS.

Football team members from Moss Point High present team ball during dual memorial at PHS.

Students prepare to leave PHS gym after memorial for Caleb Sweeten and Brandon Rich.

Tynala James, 15, and Cresseda James, 18, were among students and friends of Caleb and Brandon.  

 

Students try to comfort a friend weeping with grief over the loss of Brandon Rich and Caleb Sweeten.

Other students surround Tynala and Cresseda as they leave for their homes.

Chris Charleston talk after the dual memorial for fellow athletes Brandon Rich and Caleb Sweeten.

Cindy Garay said her team will represent Brandon Rich well in an upcoming track meet.

Courtney Robinson holds programs for TV reporter Patrice Clark.

 

Caleb Sweeten and Brandon Rich