Local

Emotional vigil held for teen killed after falling from pickup truck

TARENTUM, Pa. — Hundreds of family members and friends held a vigil Sunday night for a teenage boy who died after falling from the back of a moving pickup truck Friday night.

Family and friends of 17-year-old Ryan Richards held the heartfelt vigil at the Highlands High School football field.

Richards was riding in the back of a pickup truck late Friday night on Saxonburg Boulevard when he fell out.

He played football and baseball at Highlands, and was going to be a senior this upcoming year.

Richards’ older brother Daniel said his little brother will be missed.

“He was my baby brother. There was eight years in between us, but it never felt that way. We always felt the same,” Daniel Richards said.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Holy Martyrs Church.

Grief counselors are being made available at Highlands High School for any student having a difficult time coping with Richards’ death.

“The best thing we can do is support them,” school psychologist Karen King said. “(The football team) did a lot of sharing about Ryan. I feel like I know him a little bit now. Mostly we listen and give them permission to cry and be angry. Going through those feelings is part of grieving.”

The office at the high school is collecting donations for Ryan's family to help with any expenses.