Classmates of the two young victims in Sunday morning’s car crash gather to share memories. (Photos by Chelsea Los)

NORTH WEBSTER — Although names weren’t released by the coroner until early Tuesday morning, Dec. 8, the Wawasee community knew of the deaths of two young men, Dimitrius M. Kaplanis, 21, North Webster, and Dakota G. Singer, 22, Fort Wayne, early into the week. Both men had strong ties to the local communities.

The fatal car accident occurred on Ardmore Avenue near Covington Road in Fort Wayne at approximately 4:20 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Classmates of the two Wawasee students gathered at the North Webster Community Center basketball courts Monday evening, Dec. 7, beginning at 6 p.m. to share memories of the men they fondly called “Boots” and “Meat.”

Fellow classmate Geoff Cavender helped organize the event, and opened the small ceremony with a prayer. As former students gathered in a circle to bow their heads, Cavender asked for strength and comfort for each other, but especially for the families of the young men who were taken so soon.

Geoff Cavender leads the group in prayer.

Those who joined the ceremony signed framed and matted photos of each of the young men, expressing condolences to the families who will be receiving the photos.

Radio disc jockey Jamie Salazar spoke to the group, sharing fond memories of Kaplanis’ wrestling career. He expressed sympathy for the loss of a friend and classmate, and offered to pair with the radio station to possibly raise funds for the burial of the young men.

After classmates signed the photos, they huddled together to laugh and cry about fond memories with Kaplanis and Singer. Most stories included typical high school activities: Taco Bell before sports, late nights with good friends and a lot of songs that were the acting soundtrack to precollege life.

Kaplanis attended the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne. The university took to its Facebook page to express sadness concerning the loss of one of its own.

“On Tuesday, December 8, the intention of the noon Mass in the St. Francis Chapel, which is located in Trinity Hall, will be for Dimitri. Those of any faith are welcome to remember and pray for Dimitri, his family, and his friends during this Mass. We are in the process of planning an on-campus memorial service next semester, and we will also post the information for this event on MCC as soon as it is available.”

Friends took to Singer’s Facebook page as well to express disbelief and grief, referencing his famous pizzas made while he worked at North Webster’s Bourbon Street Pizza. Friends shared memories of an obvious love of the lakes in their stories of wakeboarding and lounging during warm summers past.

To end the ceremony, Cavender and the group gathered to listen to one final song for the men, “See You Again,” by Wiz Khalifa, and say the Lord’s Prayer before hugging friends goodbye.