'A cornerstone of our community': U-E remembers Colin, Tiffany Ferrell at vigil

The baseball field at Union-Endicott High School was painted orange Thursday night in honor of 2024 graduate Colin Ferrell and his mom, Tiffany Ferrell.

On July 19, while returning home from a college orientation, the Ferrells were involved in a fatal crash on I-86 in Chemung County.

A candlelight vigil was held in the place where both Colin and Tiffany shared countless memories and time together. School personnel and family made speeches reminiscing on the memories they shared and the impact both Colin and Tiffany had on their lives.

Superintendent Nicole Wolfe described Colin as a “sweet, kind, loving boy who cherished his family, his friends and his teammates.” Wolfe went on to describe Tiffany Ferrell as a “giving, loving mother who would do anything for those she knew and even those she never met.”

Hugs, tears and laughter filled the air as the crowd was reminded to cherish every moment, love on the people around them and hold on tight to the memories. Teresa McKinney, Colin’s PE teacher and athletic director, remembered his “quiet yet competitive spirit, and his smile” — a smile that greeted her every morning, a feeling she will forever cherish.

The unexpected tragedy has forced those affected to reflect on their own relationships and life purpose, speakers said. Colin was a student with ambitions of doing good in the world and making the world a better place. College recommendation letters highlighted the qualities that made Colin so special: "finds the good in any situation," "friendly, reliable, a calm presence and all-around good person," "always brings positive energy," "easy going," and "ready to learn."

Union-Endicott principal Steven DiStefano described Tiffany as "funny, vibrant, energetic and full of life," someone who went out of her way to make memories for the people around her.

Closing speeches were delivered by Tiffany's sister, Karissa Jones, and U-E varsity baseball coach Tim Harkness. Jones shared the infectious energy her sister had at baseball games.

"She was more than just a supportive parent, she was my protector, she was a cornerstone of our community, and she was always prepared with snacks and entertainment," said Jones.

Jones talked about the bond shared between Colin and his mom, describing it as a "testament to the love and respect they had for each other." The connection was undeniable as Tiffany would cheer from the sidelines and share words of reassurance with Colin, who gained strength from the encouragement.

'We have always all been connected, but together now we are all bonded'

A letter from Coach Harkness remembered Colin as an athlete and student who never let a bad day or game shake his positive attitude.

"When he walked past my office, he would always make it a point to tell me to 'have a good day coach,'" he recalled.

Friends and teammates were reminded to continue their journeys in honor of Tiffany and Colin, as they navigate through this tough life obstacle. The vigil closed with a prayer, the lighting of candles and the release of a white lantern.

Union-Endicott advised anyone within the Tiger community struggling with this tragic loss to contact counseling support via phone at 988 for around-the-clock support.

A GoFundMe campaign in support of the Ferrell family had raised nearly $141,000 as of Friday afternoon.

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Union-Endicott vigil mourns graduate, mother killed in car crash