Community rallies to help family of Carleton teen killed in crash

(WJBK) - The community is coming together to rally around a family in mourning after a teenager died in a car accident. 

Michigan State Police say Gavin Wethington somehow lost control of the vehicle he was driving at the intersection of north Dixie and Ready Road on Sunday. 

His car left the street, traveled over railroad tracks and crashed head on into a tree. The family placed a cross at the sight. Family and friends have carved their name in the same spot with messages of love. 

"He had the biggest smile; his teeth were perfect and white," said Lori Soto, a family friend.

It was the first thing you saw when you looked at the 17-year-old -- a contagious smile, giving you a hint of just the kind of person he was known to be. 

"Every single time he walked into a room, he just shined," Soto said. "Just know that we all loved you and miss you so much right now. It's going to be hard to come over and you are not there."

Tuesday night at a basketball game at New Boston Huron High School, the community showed their support for the family by collecting donations to be used for the funeral.
   
We are told more fundraisers are planned for the future. Gavin has five other siblings. 

State police tell us the cause of the crash is still under investigation.

If you'd like to make a donation to Wethington's family for the funeral, you can do so via their YouCaring page here.