Memorial ceremony held for young swimmer killed in car crash

A special memorial was held Friday night at a swimming meet in Corner Brook to honour the memory of a young swimmer killed in a car crash in December.

• Funeral this week for Alyssa Davis, 17, killed in crash near Kelligrews
• Fatal car crash near Kelligrews leaves 1 dead, 3 injured

Alyssa Davis, 17, died in a crash near Kelligrews on Peacekeepers Way on Dec. 23.

On Friday, a white rose was placed inthe middle lane of the Arts and Culture Centre Pool during a ceremony that was held prior to the start of this weekend'smeet.

Tracy Mackey-Nelson, swimmanager with the Corner Brook Rapids Swim Club, said many of the swimmers knew Davis, and the memorial was an emotional event.

"Even the younger kids knew who she was, they knew of her, and she was always happy on the deck and everything, so it did affect the swimmers," Mackey-Nelson said.

"They were sad during the memorial, but it was nice to do this for her."

Moment of silence held for Davis

Ed Mercer, president of the clubsaid the loss of another swimmer was difficult for the children, but it's something parents try to help their kids get through.

"She was a very vibrant personality, a very happy girl," said Mercer.

"My own children are swimmers and they speak very highly of her and were very shocked and saddened at her passing."

A moment of silence was also held for Davis at the swim meet, and Mercer said it was a powerful moment.

"I think all the kids knew, and it was very quiet. I was very impressed by the way the children responded because they were just quiet. It was quiet throughout the building," he said.

Both Mercer and Mackey-Nelson said Davis' death was a loss for the swimming family in the province.

Mackey-Nelson also said the memorial was a reminder to live life to the fullest.

"They do want to go out and swim the best they can swim, because you never know," said Mackey-Nelson.

"It does affect the swimmers, but hopefully it will help them, having this memorial."