FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- The rain did not stop hundreds from honoring three E.E. Smith High School football players whose lives were tragically cut short earlier this week.

The three victims -- 17-year-old Trevor Merritt, 17-year-old Nicholas Williams, and 18-year-old Jai-hyon Elliot -- died in a crash Wednesday night on Rosehill Road.

The driver of the car, Dymond Monroe, was life-flighted to UNC Medical Center with very serious injuries.

Friends, family, and teammates attended a vigil in Westover Park that ended in a balloon release.

Merritt's father, Jamaar Merritt, thanked everyone who has been supporting them since the tragedy and said the family has been doing their best to get through the difficult times.

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