Vigil commemorates the lives of Savannah family killed in boating accident by drunk driver

SAVANNAH, Ga. — A community in mourning grieved together after the tragic loss of a former teacher, along with his wife and two of his children.

A vigil at Kings Ridge Christian School honored Chris Leffler, his wife Lori, and sons Zach and Nate, who were all killed in a boating crash in Savannah.

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“It was just a chance for our kids and our families just to catch their breath a little bit. And I think it’s becoming more real,” said Edward Spurka, head of King’s Ridge Christian School.

Leffler was a beloved history teacher at Kings Ridge for five years before he and his family moved to Savannah this year.

His 17-year-old son Nate was also a former student who loved football.

“Chris was very involved in the community, coaching football, class advisor. Firstly, first to work, and the last one to leave,” Spurka said.

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Georgia Department of Natural Resources says someone under the influence of alcohol drove a boat head-on into the Lefflers’ boat Saturday on the Wilmington River.

The crash left a passenger on the other boat dead, and the accused drunk driver in custody.

On the Lefflers’ boat, only their daughter Katie and a friend survived.

“We have a lot of families here that are engaged with a family; so one of our next steps is, how do we support Katie?,” Spurka asked. “She’s got a long road ahead.”

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After Tuesday’s private vigil, it’s a road the community is determined not to let her walk alone.

“Community suffers loss, and it’s how you respond to it,” he said.

Family members have set up a GoFundMe for Katie to help pay her expenses.

So far, donors have raised $50,000. If interested, you can donate HERE.

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