Beaumont mourns victims of highway crash

The three young men killed in a highway crash south of Beaumont, Alta., are being remembered asgreat friends who could always make people laugh.

They were fantastic friends, said Chris Crosby who knew all four of the men involved in the crash.

"We all had the greatest times," he said. "(They would) make us laugh and do stupid, funny things.

"We have to support all the familiesand give it all for them because thats what theydid for everyone else," he said outside of Beaumont Composite High School where Bradley Arsenault and Kole Novakgraduated last year.

Arsenault and Novak, both 18, along withThaddeus Lake, 22, were killed when the car they were in rolled on Highway 625 south of Beaumont, southeast of Edmonton.

A fourth man critically injured when hispickup truckrolled in the same accident is now in stable condition.

Crash investigators believe both vehicles were travelling east at the time of the crash. They alsobelieve alcohol and speed were involved.

Theschool brought in counsellors Monday to help students and staff.

"Because of the impact of this particular tragedy, our staff is quite at risk here," said principal John Mair.

Spacewas also set aside in the library for students to gather with pictures of the victims and sign a book of condolences.

"Its a real loss," said Mair, describing Arsenault and Novak as great kids, good school members who worked hard in school, and whose teachers spoke fondly of them.

Stephanie Clements lived across the street from Arsenault and Novak and remembered their kindness and generosity when her sister died in a highway crash two years ago.

"They were always there for us,"she said at a roadside memorial near the crash site."It just hurts to have to see someone in the same neighbourhood go through the same thing."