Teen killed in violent East Boston crash honored in vigil

BOSTON — Friends and family on Thursday honored an 18-year-old killed in a violent crash in East Boston on Wednesday.

”We’ve just been trying to cheer each other up with old memories, how he made us happy,” said Axel Chirinos. “He’s always cracking jokes. It was always a good time with him. Never a dull moment.”

Driver Jonathan Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on McClellan Highway shortly before 8 p.m. Wednesday.

His 16-year-old female passenger was taken to the hospital for injuries that are not life-threatening, state police said.

Investigators believe speed was a factor but have not commented further on what led up to the crash.

Dozens lit candles, shared stories and hugged one another Thursday at a makeshift memorial in the place where Hernandez died.

Friends described Hernandez as a fun-loving teen who had a passion for cars and enjoyed sharing automotive parts with friends.

”I love cars as well. So me and him shared this bond with cars,” Chirinos said. “He had a lot of love for his friends. And this tragedy is crazy.”

The crash shut down a portion of McClellan Highway on Wednesday night and knocked out power for many residents.

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