Vigil held for Academy Park student killed in I-95 crash

TINICUM TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- An Academy Park High School junior was killed in a crash on Interstate 95 in Delaware County.

On Monday night, hundreds of family and friends held a vigil for Jaion Smith.

They surrounded grieving parents Marquisha Sargent and Jason Smith. Their teen son was killed in a crash around 9:45 p.m. Sunday in the northbound lanes of the highway approaching exit 10 in Tinicum Township.

Smith was one of four teens traveling in an SUV that collided with another car.

The crash threw Smith and two others from the SUV. The three were not wearing seatbelts.

Smith died at the scene.

The teen identified by his family as the driver of the SUV carrying the boys is 17-year-old Damir Henson. Henson remains in critical condition at the hospital. Doctors performed surgery on him Monday.

A third teen is in serious condition at the hospital. The fourth teen who was wearing a seatbelt suffered minor injuries.

At Academy Park High School's football practice Monday, Smith was in their thoughts and prayers.

Coaches say the 300 pound offensive lineman had real potential for a future in football; he was known for his big presence on and off the field and his smile.

Smith's parents say they are overwhelmed by the show of community support.

"He was loved. My baby was well loved. I'm just hurt," Sargent said.

"Big heart. Big smile. Almost a straight A student, honor roll student, his life got taken too fast," Jason Smith said.

Passengers and drivers in the two other vehicles involved in the crash suffered minor to moderate injuries.

Pennsylvania State Police are interviewing all of them. The passenger in one of the vehicles initially fled the scene, but later returned.

State police have not said if they believe alcohol or drugs played a role; they will only call this an ongoing investigation.

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