Loved ones hold vigil for teenager killed by truck in Tonawanda

TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- The Town of Tonawanda is mourning the loss of 15-year-old Luke Guetti, who passed away after a bicycle accident involving a truck on Tuesday night.

Family and friends say Luke Guetti was a beloved brother and student with a kind smile and many passions. His unexpected passing leaves a deep effect on everyone at his vigil Thursday night with many in shock and sorrow.

"He was a great kid," said Luke's uncle Joseph Tirone. "He was kind, he was a gentle giant. He was just like his dad and he was raised well."

Ken-Ton schools have confirmed with WIVB News 4 that 15-year-old Luke Guetti, a student at Kenmore East High, sadly passed away from his injuries Thursday morning at Oishei Children's Hospital. They call his passing "a great tragedy" and a "tremendous loss."

"Great kid," said family friend Rick Voigt. "Happy overall, no complaints, an excellent, excellent kid."

Luke was also a part of the Ken-East football program; his teammates and friends at the vigil say they were at the gym with him the night before the accident.

"We hung out every day after school and it's just sad," they said. "Really sad to see this happen."

"You can tell by his teammates that are all weeping," said Tirone. "He was looking forward to playing football this year. This was the year he was going to play varsity."

They tell us Luke was excited telling them about a motorized bike that he had recently gotten. That was the bike Tonawanda Police say Luke was riding Tuesday night before being hit by a truck around 8:20 p.m.

Family and neighbors share their cherished memories of Luke, adorning the location of the accident with candles, his favorite snacks, dropping off flowers and shedding tears for a life lost too soon.

Luke leaves behind two brothers and a sister, along with his parents and step parents.

"He is never gonna be forgotten," his friends said. "You know we're going for football. We're gonna plan on hopefully retiring his number 54, his favorite number."

A GoFundme has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses. As of Thursday night, over $35,000 has already been raised.