Community holds vigil for high school students injured in accident

WEST LINN, Oregon – Students, friends and community members gathered outside West Linn High School Sunday evening to pray and support one another in honor of Cameron Tosado and Jaci Platt.

Around midnight on September 18, authorities responded to a car crash along Southwest Borland Road, near Southwest Turner Road.

According to Cameron's family's GoFundMe campaign, it was raining the night of the accident and they lost control of the car, which crashed into a utility pole.

First responders found the 17-year-old couple in critical condition.

Both are currently on artificial respiration. They have already undergone surgery and further operations are scheduled for Monday.

Authorities have not yet confirmed what events led to the crash, and community members who spoke at the vigil said they did not know.

They said the focus now is on Cameron and Jaci's recovery.

Tiffany Murphy is one of the organizers of the vigil and led part of the prayer on Sunday evening.

“Right now the situation is very critical and they want prayers. They want people to pray for them, to pray for healing. There have been some miracles in their recovery and we just want that to continue. And that's why we're here,” she said.

“It's so important for the community to come together for things like this, to escape isolation, to come together, to really believe in the power of prayer and numbers and what a tremendous impact that can have,” she continued.

Murphy said more community-organized vigils are planned in the future and that everyone is invited to come and offer comfort and support.

Jaci’s mother, Brandi Wismeth-Platt, sent us this statement:

“It's one miracle after another. It's a miracle that these two beautiful souls were pulled out alive in such a horrific accident. It's a miracle that each of their bodies is working so hard to heal in their own way. Only God can do the impossible and make it possible. He paves the way when it seems like there is no way. Your support and prayers give us hope. God is answering these prayers to perform another miracle that is waiting just around the corner. It's a testament to how much Jaci and Cameron are loved, how much love and care they have received from the school, from all the children, staff and parents, which is another miracle.”

Click here to donate to her GoFundMe campaign or to stay updated on her teen's condition.