Hundreds Gather to Remember Two Kingston High School Students Killed in Crash
Hundreds of community members convened at Kingston Plaza on Friday night, January 12, to hold a candlelight vigil in honor of Jack Noble and Dillon Gokey, two Kingston High School (KHS) juniors who tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Monday, January 8.
The vigil served as a somber occasion to pay tribute to the two student-athletes whose lives were cut short. Friends, family, teachers, coaches, and countless others gathered to hold candles, share memories, stand side by side, and seek solace in each other’s presence. Tears were shed, and the night sky was illuminated as two blue balloons were released.
Among those who addressed the mourners was Rob Parisian, a KHS social studies teacher and coach of the varsity baseball team. He spoke emotionally of Noble and Gokey, stating, These were two young men who did everything that we could ever want from young men in our community. They lived respectfully. They worked hard. They took it upon themselves to do the things that weren’t asked of them but made them better people. They made you better people. And that’s why we’re here tonight.
Casey Westermann, a technology teacher at J. Watson Bailey Middle School and the coach of the KHS varsity boys lacrosse team, reminisced about both Noble and Gokey. He particularly praised Noble, saying, Jack was quiet, he was reserved. The biggest thing I remember about Jack, he had the kindest eyes. He just had a stare of wonder and kindness. And as a teacher in a classroom full of students who might not want to be there, I would always look to my right, close, up front, and there would be Jack. He was my anchor to let me know that what I was teaching about, people were listening. He was listening.
The candlelight vigil capped off a week of tributes on social media and mourning within Kingston High School. The Facebook post by KHS regarding the vigil received an outpouring of prayers and shared memories. The vigil itself was brought to fruition by classmates of Noble, Gokey, and their surviving friend Joseph Sepesi, with assistance from Cornell Cooperative Extension and numerous local businesses.
Kingston City School District (KCSD) Superintendent Paul Padalino praised the solidarity and unity of the community. He stated, The Class of 2025 really wanted to do this. Their advisors helped them, and it really was a lot of local people who stepped up to assist our Class of 2025. I think it is a really good reflection of how the community comes together when there’s a crisis.
In the wake of the tragic accident, Padalino extended support to the affected individuals, assuring them that the KCSD Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) comprising social workers, psychologists, nurses, counselors, and safety personnel was available for anyone in need of assistance. He urged families to communicate openly with their children regarding their feelings and emphasized the importance of seeking help if necessary.
The accident occurred on Monday, January 8, when Noble was driving Gokey and Sepesi on State Route 28 near the Route 212 intersection in Mount Tremper. The car was struck by a tractor-trailer driven by Ramon LunaLuna, a resident of the Bronx. LunaLuna stated that he was unable to stop in time after noticing Noble’s car attempting to make a left turn onto Route 212. Two other vehicles were also involved in the incident.
Moving forward, the Kingston community faces the long and challenging journey of healing and recovery. The memories of Jack Noble and Dillon Gokey will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved them. The candlelight vigil served as a collective attempt to find solace in each other’s presence, providing support and strength during this unimaginably difficult time.
As we mourn the loss of these two young lives, let us come together to support one another, to cherish the memories we hold dear, and to honor the legacies left behind by Jack and Dillon.
