Photo by Tue Duong.
By Kristie Hoang
Over the past week, community members, students, staff, and family remembered the life of sophomore Sean Severson. Severson passed away last Friday after succumbing to injuries sustained in a bicycle accident, days before his sixteenth birthday.
“He was just always so kind,” said Severson’s English teacher, Steve Schultz. “The thing that stood out to me is a lot of kids came to my class to share stories about him. Every single story was about Sean being so nice – even from the people who made fun of him.”
Through social media, close friends of Severson created memorial pages and events in his honor. Last Saturday evening, a candlelight vigil was held on the site of the accident, where the community set up a white ghost bike to commemorate Severson.
Those attending the vigil placed candles, photos, and flowers around the ghost bikes. People shared stories of Severson’s remarkable spirit.
Many students showed their remembrance of Severson by wearing black, or rasta colors to school on Monday. During first period on Monday, the school participated in a collective moment of silence for Severson.
“It didn’t feel real how so quickly a friend that I’ve gotten close to the past few months will no longer be in my life but only in my memories,” said Kolinna Tran (’16).
Yesterday was Sean’s sixteenth birthday. Severon’s close friends held a memorial at Sun View park during the evening.
Over 100 family members, friends, and others gathered at the vigil. Severon’s parents, David and Jenny Severson, and his siblings Jonathon, Troy, and Kathy were in attendance as well.
Attendees comforted each other and sung “Happy Birthday” to Severson. The candlelight vigil was meant to be a lighthearted celebration of Severson’s life. As the night continued on, friends of Severson shared memories of Severson, such as when he wanted to grow dreadlocks, or how much he loved watching “Adventure Time.”
“Listening to all the stories that Sean’s family and friends shared made me miss him even more, and by the way they all captivated their memories with him made people realize how Sean has touched every single person that was there’s hearts and he honestly didn’t deserve to pass away so soon,” said Tran.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church created an online fundraising page to help Severson’s family through their difficult time.
There will be a viewing, as well as a prayer mass at Our Lady of La Vang Church in Santa Ana, this Friday, from 12-7 p.m. Severson’s funeral will be held the following Sunday, at 7:15 a.m. at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fountain Valley.
