This is a shrine, probably about a mile or less from where I live.
Wednesday evening, around 7:30, a vehicle was being driven at a high rate of speed, went out of control and overturned on the passenger side. A 12 year old boy who was a passenger was ejected and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Another passenger, a 9 year old boy, had a broken leg. The 21 year old driver of the car suffered only minor injuries. He is in jail, facing a number of serious charges. Police say drugs and alcohol may have been involved.
These shrines erected at the site of fatal accidents have been growing. I can remember seeing much more simple ones from much earlier days. This one has stuffed animals, notes to the deceased, candles and other decorations.
It was a tragedy, regardless of the cause, for many people. The driver of the vehicle probably will go to prison. The 9 year old will be haunted by the experience for years. The family and friends of the dead boy will suffer. And a young life has been snuffed out for no good reason.
It is all very, very sad.
