PORTAGE, MI –– Dozens of pink balloons soared into a cloudy sunset on Tuesday, Nov. 4, at Celery Flats park.

As they flew away, tears streamed down the faces of a crowd of hundreds.

The balloons were for 17-year-old Portage Northern High School student Alayiah Lazzara, who died hours after being involved in a car crash on U.S. 131 that happened on Sunday, Nov. 2.

Along with pink balloons, there were pink flowers, pink candles and people dressed in pink, too.

It was Lazzara’s favorite color.

The vigil at Celery Flats was organized with help from Lazzara’s friends at Portage Northern, who turned out in large numbers to mourn.

Lazzara’s family was also present.

As the balloons found their way into the clouds, Khimere Irving, a senior at Portage Central High School, yelled out through t

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