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Candlelight Vigil held for teen couple

By Eric Sollman - Bio | Email

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - A candlelight vigil, honoring a teen couple tragically killed in a car accident, was held Monday night.

19 year-old Tad Mattle and 16 year-old Leigh Anna Jimmerson were killed Friday evening in a car crash on Airport Road in Southeast Huntsville. 

Hundreds of students, friends, and members of the community gathered at Grissom High School Monday night to come together for what has been a very difficult few days.

It's been a weekend's worth of tears with mourning and memories for the friends of Tad Mattle and Leigh Anna Jimmerson.

Mattle had just graduated Grissom High, and was formerly a part of the Tiger Band as a drummer, while Jimmerson was a sophomore and involved in the color guard.

It has been a trying time for their friends and peers.

They stood side by side, united though candlelight and reflecting on the two lives that were taken so quickly.

"We're just all shocked, hurt, and just so sad that she won't be with us next season," said band member Lydia Allison.

"Most of the people that I know are just getting over the fact that he won't be around any more," said Mattle's friend, Ryan Kolodziejzzak.

"I still don't believe it's actually happened. I thought I would walk into school today [Monday], and she would be there just smiling and laughing like she always did," said Leigh Anna's cousin, Danielle Crawford.

The crash that claimed the lives of Mattle and Jimmerson happened Friday night on Airport Road.

Police said the driver of the truck involved rear-ended the vehicle of the victims.

Felix Domingues Ortega is the name that police first released.  As the investigation progressed, officers determined Ortega has several aliases.

He has previously been arrested under the name of Adan Herrera. He has also used the name of Reynaldo Martinez and Juan Sanchez.

Police suspect that Herrera was driving drunk.

He has been charged with two counts of murder, possession of a forged instrument and outstanding warrants for DUI, seatbelt violation and driving without license.

The bond on the murder charges has been set at one million dollars per count. Herrera is currently in the Metro Jail.

A luminous devotion is dedicated to these two teens. It lasted for about an hour and a half with it ending in everyone holding hands in unity.

Funeral arrangements have been announced for both victims.

Visitation for Tad Mattle is scheduled for Wednesday evening from 5:00 until 8:30 at Spry Funeral Home.

His funeral is Thursday at the Byrd Springs Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.    

Visitation for Leigh Anna Jimmerson is Tuesday Night from 5:00 until 7:00 at Laughlin Funeral home.     

Her funeral is set for Wednesday morning at 11:00 at Weatherly Heights Baptist Church.

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