Hundreds attend candlelight vigil for Issaquah teen killed in crash

A candlelight vigil for the Issaquah teen that died in a car crash Tuesday showed the tightness of the lacrosse community, even as fierce competitors.

Roughly 300 friends, teammates and family members filled the Issaquah High School Courtyard, sharing stories about Tyler Lucas’ kindness, friendship and athletic talent.

Lacrosse teams drove in from as far as Bainbridge Island with less than a day’s notice of the vigil.

“He died, but he died working on his dream,” said father Jim Lucas. “We should all be so lucky to die chasing our dreams. So all of you, chase your dreams.”

Tyler had switched from Issaquah High to the private Woodinville school Chrysalis to improve his grades and secure his spot on the team at Dominican University in California. He was earning all A’s and B’s.

He was headed to class the morning of Feb. 1, when he lost control of his Dodge Neon on I-405. After the ensuing wreck, he was rushed to Harborview Medical Center, where he died.

In addition to sharing several stories about his bravery and humor on the lacrosse field, his friends and fellow athletes described him as kind, even to the least talented or popular athletes.

“He has had this ability to never burn bridges with every kid he met,” said teammate Sam Leggett.

He was known in the league for being the type of guy everyone wanted to befriend.

Mercer Island’s Douglas Mahony was waiting until after his senior year to reach out to the fierce competitor, he said. “We have a lot in common. We all play lacrosse, we all love lacrosse. I guess I waited too long.”

Tyler was also known for being relaxed even during stressful times and always comfortable in his own skin.

He was one of a few men who could pull off a pink sweater, said teammate Brandon Soldano. “He lived his life to the fullest and he did it with flare.”

Kevin Parsons, left, joins a candlelight vigil for Tyler Lucas. Lucas died in a car crash Feb. 1.

Celeste Gracey/Issaquah Reporter

Friends, teammates and family members of Tyler Lucas gathered Feb. 2 for a vigil. Lucas died in a car accident Feb. 1.

Celeste Gracey/Issaquah Reporter

Sam Leggett, a friend and teammate of Tyler Lucas, joins a crowd of about 300 to honor him with a candle light vigil. Lucas died Feb. 1 in a car crash.

Celeste Gracey/Issaquah Reporter