Vigils held for Hickory student killed in wreck

HICKORY, N.C. — Students gathered at two vigils Tuesday in Hickory for Jake Robertson, who was killed in a car crash Sunday. One of his best friends was the driver in that accident.

"We love and we miss Jake," student body President Cole Lackey said. "And we're here for David."

PHOTOS of vigils

Students visited Robertson's parking spot to remember the 17-year-old student. Police said his friend David Engelmann was driving and lost control. Police believe Engelmann had been drinking but Lackey told Channel 9 students still support him.

"We love David and we love Jake equally," Lakey said. "What happened – happened. We can't change anything about it."

But they can show their love for the two high school students and that's what classmates did all day at school wearing Carolina-blue ribbons, Robertson's favorite color.

"This was by far one of the hardest days -- to come back to school and see empty desks," Lackey said.

Robertson went to Oakwood Elementary and Grandview Middle School and there are now funds set up at both schools where people can donate in his name. The lacrosse team at the high school also has fund set up in support of David Englemann, who is scheduled to appear before a judge Wednesday.

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