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Vigil Held For Teen Killed In Church Van Crash

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - A Lansing church held a vigil for an 18-year-old high school student who was killed in the crash of an overloaded van that was carrying 17 people home from a choir performance in Grand Rapids.

The crash happened Sunday on eastbound Interstate 96 in Kent County's Lowell Township, about 15 miles east of Grand Rapids.

The Lansing State Journal says a vigil and rally Thursday night at Epicenter of Worship Church was a memorial for Omberi Erasto and a fundraiser for treatment and rehabilitation of his younger sister, who lost her leg in the crash.

Police say a 22-year-old man was driving the van when a left rear tire blew out, causing him to lose control and hit another vehicle. Most of the 17 people in that van weren't wearing seat belts and were thrown from the vehicle.

Erasto was a senior at Lansing Eastern High School.

TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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