Hundreds gather in Saskatoon for J.P. Haughey's funeral
James Paul Haughey and Sarah Wensley were killed when a stolen truck crashed into their car
Hundreds of people gathered in Saskatoon on Saturday afternoon to remember the short life of James Paul Haughey at St. Patrick's Parish.
The 17-year-old high school student, known as J.P., was killed last week in a car crash involving a stolen truck.
J.P. was one of the best people I have ever known,-Haughey family member
Haughey and Sarah Wensley died on May 5 when their car was broadsided by a truck that police say was stolen.
A 16-year-old girl who was also riding in the car was badly injured in the crash. She attended Haughey's funeral on Saturday in a wheelchair. She is recovering from a broken leg and several fractured bones.
More than 300 people gather for vigil
On Friday night, hundreds of people packed into the Park Funeral Chapel for a prayer vigil to remember the Grade 11 student.
Many large photo collages containing pictures taken of J.P. throughout his childhood adorned the funeral chapel. One of his best friend's who spoke at the vigil explained that Haughey was always happy, and their motto became 'live life'.
Many people spoke about J.P. at the service, remembering him as an optimistic and sensitive person with an insatiable love for music. Two of the boy's closest friends performed a version of Kid Cudi's song, "The Prayer", at the vigil, explaining this was a song J.P. had wanted played if he died.
A first cousin spoke of J.P. to the crowd, saying "J.P. was one of the best people I have ever known. He taught me to love unconditionally".
Both J.P. Haughey and Sarah Wensley were Grade 11 students at Bethlehem Catholic High School. Some of their schoolmates choreographed a dance to Kid Cudi's song, "The Prayer", in their memory.
On Saturday afternoon, the Haughey family will hold a funeral for J.P. in Saskatoon.