Community members rally around the families of crash victims at vigil

FOND DU LAC, Wis. (WBAY) - A community continues to rally around the families of teens involved in a fatal crash in Fond du Lac County.

Two teens were killed and one was hurt Saturday morning in the Township of Taycheedah.

Holy Family Catholic Community Church youth group meets every Thursday. This week, they dedicated their time to remembering victims Nevins Zoch and Tommy Koenigs. They also honored the family of a teen girl who survived the crash.

“We see their loss as well. Because I can’t even imagine going through that, and that we just want them to know that we care for them as well, and while we are caring for Tommy and Nevins’ family, we’re caring for them too, and they’re not forgotten in all of this,” said Sarah Razner, Director of Communications and Marketing, Holy Family Catholic Community Church.

Thursday’s vigil was an ecumenical ceremony, meaning all faiths were welcome.

Nevins Zoch was a student at Laconia High School. Tommy Koenigs attended St. Mary’s Springs Academy.

“Nevins was an extremely bright and intelligent boy from the time he was very young. Even at the age of four, his parents and grandparents thought Nevins may be smarter than them. Nevins had a vibrant imagination with a curious desire and love for learning new things. His ability to memorize and retain knowledge amazed us repeatedly. He had a heart of gold and cared about everyone around him loving without condition or reservation. Nevins had a quirky and hilarious sense of humor that gave him the title of class clown. His talent for making others laugh and his charismatic personality allowed him to strike up conversations as he lit up any room he entered. Nevins had dreams of continuing his education beyond the high school level and one day hoped to become an engineer,” reads the obituary for Nevins.

“Tommy was always full of life and will forever be remembered for his loving heart, affectionate smile, beautiful brown eyes, and of course, his remarkable head of hair. Always charismatic and quick-witted, he gave those near him reason to smile and laugh. He was an incredible friend to all around him, protective and standing up for what’s right, even for those he may not have known,” reads Tommy’s obituary.

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office said the teens were traveling on Golf Course Dr. in the Township of Taycheedah and went off the road at a high rate of speed and hit a tree east of Taft Rd. Rescuers were called at about 3:25 a.m. Saturday.

“Speed and alcohol are contributing factors in this crash,” reads a statement from the sheriff’s office.

“The sheriff’s office crash reconstruction team, drone team, and detective bureau are assisting with the investigation,” says Lt. Nick Kahnke.

Nevins Zoch, 16, died at the scene.

Tommy Koenigs, 16, was airlifted to a hospital where he was being treated until his organs could be donated.

Copyright 2023 WBAY. All rights reserved.