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Teen killed in Ligonier car crash on his 17th birthday

LIGONIER, Pa. — Solemn hymns and a soft glow illuminated the Diamond in Ligonier on Tuesday night to remember a 17-year-old Ligonier Valley student killed in a car crash hours earlier – on his birthday.

Nicholas Neiderhiser hit a deer, went over an embankment on 711 and crashed into a tree while driving to school Tuesday morning. He died at the scene.

"Loving kid, always be there for you if you needed someone to talk to even if it was a couple minutes,” said Stephen Pritts, a friend. “He was that kind of person. … He made a real big impact."

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Neiderhiser’s younger brother, Tyler, was also in the car, and was flown to the hospital. He is expected to be OK.

Friends, family and complete strangers shared stories of comfort during the vigil, where a “Happy Birthday” balloon also floated above the crowd.

"He was always in the garage working, he'd have his car, he'd have his dirt bike and he'd always put a smile on your face,” Pritts said.

Ligonier Valley students wanted to come together and mark the tragedy, bringing hope and love back to the tight-knit town.

"Someone you don't even talk to that much you're just hugging, talking to and venting to,” said junior Marissa Tunstall. “It's really heartwarming to see."

"It's really a representation of how our town comes together whenever we need it and we're really blessed with the turnout,” said senior Ellie Stewart.

Ligonier Valley officials posted this statement on their website:

“This morning, one of our Ligonier Valley High School students died as a result of a car accident.  His brother was also injured in the accident. We are all shocked by the news of this tragedy, and our hearts and prayers go out to their family and friends.

"A sudden loss like this can cause many strong feelings, and we know that the next several weeks will be incredibly difficult for so many in our community. We have arranged for counselors and therapy dogs to be at Ligonier Valley High School today through the remainder of the week.  Our staff and students are aware that these resources are available for them throughout the school day. We have also encouraged our LHS students to talk with their parents about how they are feeling.

"We are providing you with additional resources that might be helpful to your family as we help one another cope with this loss. These resources include 'Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death, and Grief' as well as a list of external counseling services. Should you have questions or concerns regarding your child's response to this shock, please feel free to contact the counselor of your child's school.”