More than 100 students and their family members gathered in the parking lot of Cosumnes Oaks High School in Elk Grove at dusk Wednesday night to pay tribute to one of the school's newest students, who was struck by a car while riding his bike home from school Sept. 22.
High school freshman Tom Mutz, 14, is in critical condition at the UC Davis Medical Center, where his family is by his side.
"Things are very, very dire," said Patrick McDougall, Cosumnes Oaks principal. "I am a man of faith, but I have no answers for you tonight. I don't know why young people have to suffer."
And although Mutz had only been in high school for six weeks, he had already made an impression on the community there.
McDougall said teachers are heartbroken over the news about Mutz, whom they describe as a sweet, energetic, red-haired teen who was always eager to complete his work with enthusiasm.
The Rev. Brian Spangler, pastor at Peace Presbyterian Church in Elk Grove, led a prayer at the gathering, adding that he is accustomed to calling Tom "Tommy" from his younger years as a member of the church's congregation.
After the prayer, volunteers passed around candles for those who attended to carry on the walk through the streets Tom had taken on his way home that day.
T-shirts with a big green ribbon and the words "Team Tom" were sold at the vigil for $10 apiece. Green ribbons and pins were also sold. The proceeds went to the Mutz family.
Further donations to assist the Mutz family can be made at http://everribbon.com/r/friendsoftommutz.
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