NEWPORT — Theresa Petros doesn’t personally know any of the victims of the tragedy April 20 at the Swan Boat Club. Still, she felt compelled to attend Friday night’s candlelight vigil at the club.
Petros, of Newport, was one of about 100 people who turned out Friday, despite cool temperatures and a brisk eastern Lake Erie breeze that quickly extinguished most of the candles.
The crowd gathered to remember Alanah Phillips, 8, and her 4-year-old brother, Zayn Phillips, who died when a vehicle crashed into a children's birthday party that day.
Driver Marshella Marie Chidester has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder as well as two counts of operating while intoxicated causing death and four counts of operating while intoxicated causing injury.
Previous Coverage: Monroe County sheriff: 2 children die after suspected drunken driver crashes into party
Many others were injured in the crash, including the siblings’ mother, Mariah Dodds, and their brother, Jayden, 11, who are both still hospitalized.
“I just felt absolutely compelled to come out and pay my respects. I just can’t get past it,” Petros said.
The deaths of Alanah and Zayn made Petros think of her own grandchildren. To the vigil, she brought her own candles and some other items: marbles from her grandchildren and rocks from relatives who have died. She left it all at a makeshift memorial at the club, which was filled Friday with stuffed toys, notes, flowers and crosses.
Dan Beazley of Nothwood had the idea for the vigil. Beazley travels to grieving towns across the country with a giant wooden cross. The morning after the tragedy, Beazley said he felt called to Newport.
“I felt your hearts are troubled. I felt a need to come. The community needs to come together,” he said.
On Tuesday, Beazley called Dave Reaume, Berlin Township supervisor. “They put this together in two days,” Beazley said.
Like several of Friday night’s speakers, Beazley encouraged forgiveness.
“Let the community come together for good. Some communities choose evil and are still suffering, years and years later. Healing starts right now,” he said.
Among the vigil’s attendees were some family members of Alanah and Zayn. Nicholas Phillips and Michael Hatfield are the children’s uncles.
“They didn’t deserve this. How is this fair?,” an emotional Phillips told the crowd. “My brother is in the hospital with his son. He’s not really ready to process reality yet. Jayden doesn’t know his brother and sister aren’t here.”
Hatfield urged prayers for all the victims.
“The other people affected by this, we can’t forget to pray for all affected,” he said.
Others who spoke Friday included: Congressman Tim Walberg, R-Tipton; Rep. Jamie Thompson, R-Brownstown Township; Dan Riordan, Swan Boat Club commodore; Robert Cousino, Berlin Township fire chief; Rev. Henry Robello from Sts. Charles and Anne Catholic churches; and Rev. Rick Deitering from Newport Community Church. Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough and several first responders also were present.
Thompson shared the story of her 24-year-old daughter, who was killed in a motorcycle crash in 2021. Thompson encouraged the community to support the families.
“I didn’t get to kiss her goodbye. I couldn’t breathe,” Thompson said. “But I had community and family support. Their prayers kept me breathing. The hate you feel will suffocate you. The pain is so hard to bear. Release that pain and give it to God. Do not forget about this family.”
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Thompson and others also praised the first responders, who arrived to what was described as a chaotic scene.
“What your eyes have seen, you cannot unsee. We are with you,” Thompson said.
Pastor Deitering said he was once a first responder.
“You see images you never forget. What they go through for us is an emotional rollercoaster. It takes a heavy emotional toll,” he said.
Three members of Boy Scout Troop 508 posted colors at the start of the vigil. They were under the direction of John Sorovetz, committee chairman. Soloists for the ceremony were Gaylene Deitering and Denny Miller, cantor at Sts. Charles and Anne churches.
Attendees were encouraged to write words of encouragement and sympathy for the victims and first responders.
Those who couldn’t attend the vigil were urged on Swan Boat Club's Facebook page to light candles wherever they were. Posts on Facebook came from people who said they would light candles across Michigan and in Florida, Canada, South Carolina and Las Vegas.
For a list of fundraisers for the victims, visit Swan Boat Club on Facebook .
— Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@monroenews.com .
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: More than 100 gather at Newport vigil
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