The 14th annual Evening of Remembrance brought hundreds of Santa Clarita community members together on Tuesday to honor the memories of 114 young lives lost in traffic-related incidents.

The somber event was held at the Youth Grove at Central Park, where 114 tree stumps are placed to symbolize those 24 years old and younger whose lives were cut short. This year saw seven new names added to the grove since 2018, representing seven new deaths. 

Photo by David Melnarik, KHTS News.

“As a mother and as a grandmother, I can’t tell you how heart wrenching it is to me to see all these names,” said Mayor Marsha McLean. “There are 114 of them this year, and that is 114 too many. Through the Youth Grove, we ensure that they are never forgotten.” 

Families in attendance were asked to light a candle as the name of their lost youth and his or her “forever” age were read aloud, and to leave the candles lit throughout the remainder of the evening. 

Alice Renolds, a Santa Clarita mother whose two sons, Tim and Danny, were killed in a crash at ages 18 and 15 almost two decades ago, spoke to the crowd, offering both encouragement in their communal grief and a firm reminder to all about the importance of safe driving. 

Related: ‘Evening Of Remembrance’ Brings The Community Together

Alice Renolds and her granddaughter, Lexi. Photo by David Melnarik, KHTS News.

“During this night, each of us will need to reach deep down to gather strength and reach for those tender and comforting memories tucked in our heart to honor our precious children and to remember them,” Renolds said. 

Renolds’ 14-year-old granddaughter, Lexi, also addressed the crowd, recalling that she was 4 years old when she first realized that her dad had two brothers who had died as teenagers. 

“What’s really hard is, I’ll never have cousins, because my mom is an only child,” Lexi said. “Because of that, our family get-togethers will always be small, seeming like there’s always somebody missing that should be there with us. The only thing I have of my two uncles are their pictures and their stories.” 

As Lexi’s 15th birthday approaches in a few short weeks, both she and her grandmother mentioned the seriousness of learning how to drive and sharing the road with others. 

Photo by David Melnarik, KHTS News.

“She will be turning 15 soon — the same age that Danny was when he was killed as a backseat passenger. My fear is that this could happen to her,” Renolds said. “I barely survived those first few years of grief and pain of losing my sons. I know I couldn’t do it again if I were to lose her.”

Renolds encouraged those in attendance to remember that their actions behind the wheel impact the safety of everyone around them, and she called on parents, teachers and relatives to talk to their youth about safe driving practices. 

“Use this night as a strong reminder to turn off your cell phones… Do not speed, do not drive recklessly. Pay attention to pedestrians. Do not drive while drowsy and do not drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol,” Renolds said. “Years have passed since the Youth Grove was first built. It now has 114 tree stumps — lives cut short and families and friends devastated. Please, let’s not add any more names.” 

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