They came to mourn.
They came seeking comfort.
And, in the end, they received a sign of hope.
A slow and steady cold drizzle fell on the hundreds gathered in the evening on April 19 at the Central Park Amphitheater in Green.
They gathered as a community to mourn the loss of 9-year-old Samuel Rife, who died April 17 after he was struck by a Jeep Wrangler when he ran into Peachwood Way to retrieve an errant baseball.
And they also gathered to pray for the driver of the Jeep that struck the third grader.
Summit County sheriff’s deputies say neither speed nor impairment appear to have been a factor.
The crash is being investigated by the Summit Metro Crash Response Team.
“Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation,” the sheriff’s department said.
Green Mayor Rocco Yeargin said the community’s “hearts are broken” over the loss of “Sammy,” as he was known to his friends and teachers.
“There are no words that can describe this type of loss,” the mayor said. “There’s no way to fully describe the weight that the Rife family bears tonight and the days ahead.”
But, Yeargin said, the community gathered to show its support for the family and to grieve as well.
“This is a community that shows up,” he said. “It comes together not only in good times but, just as importantly, in times of deep sorrow.
“And so we come to be beside the Rife family − not to fix what cannot be fixed, but to walk with them. To hold them up. And to share in their grief.”
Those who gathered at the vigil were both young and old, a testament to the many lives Sam and his family touched in the community.
His father, the Rev. J. Harlen Rife, is pastor of Greensburg United Methodist Church.
Retired Rev. David Weyrick, formerly of Stow Presbyterian Church, is assisting the family and the Greensburg church as they cope with the loss. He acknowledged to those gathered that, at times like this, it can be hard to make sense of it all.
“Something has happened,” he said. “It shouldn’t happen. We shouldn’t be here. This is not the way it’s supposed to work.
“But yet, here we are. And it’s rattled us. A young life is no longer here with us.”
The words offered solace for the grieving community.
“Even though he’s no longer here on earth, we believe he’s in heaven,” the pastor said. “But yet our hearts are broken.”
And then it happened.
Amid the raindrops, the sun peaked out.
And a rainbow filled the sky.
“If ever there’s a sign,” a mourner said, as some of those gathered pointed up to the colorful sight amid the gloomy sky.
Weyrick reminded those gathered that it is okay to cry and even laugh at the memories and joy that Sam brought whenever he entered a room, as he was so often full of questions and astonishing facts about everything from “Lord of the Rings” to vintage airplanes.
“We have holes in our hearts, and that’s why it hurts so much,” the pastor said. “Love is still there, though. Because grief is the most powerful expression of love.”
The Rife family did not attend the vigil but sent along a letter that was read aloud.
“While we are too deep in our grief to attend, we are grateful that so many of you chose to be here tonight,” the family said. “We will look back at the photos and videos when we are ready and cherish this outpouring of love.”
They thanked the community for all the love and support they have received.
“Sam had a boundless energy and love for his neighbors that led him to embrace so many communities,” the letter said. “He adored his church family at Greensburg United Methodist, his teachers and fellow students in the Green schools, and his friends, including those from athletic teams like baseball, basketball, soccer and taekwondo.”
The family asked for continued prayers not only for themselves, but for the first responders who provided aid for Sam and for the driver of the Jeep.
“For Sam, community was like breathing,” they said. “We know he is with us in spirit tonight.”
Green Schools Assistant Superintendent Alana Niemiec said counselors were made available over the weekend for any students or teachers who needed to talk.
Counselors will return on Monday during the school day.
Niemiec said the loss is personal for everyone in the district because the family was so active in the community.
Sam’s younger sister Marta is also an elementary school student.
Niemiec said Sam was on the same taekwondo team as her own daughter.
“It has hit a lot of us really hard,” she said.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Green community mourns Samuel Rife, finds hope in rainbow at vigil
Reporting by Craig Webb, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
