Hundreds turn out to honor Pocatello teens killed in crash

More than 500 people turned out to honor siblings Eric and Lauren Neibaur on Wednesday night.

The brother and sister were among three people killed in a head-on collision Sunday afternoon. The crash happened on Highway 30 near McAmmon.

Eric Neibaur was 15 years old and a member of the Century High School football team. He would have been a sophomore this coming school year. Lauren was 13 years old would have been a freshman at Century. She had recently just made the high school cheer squad.

Wednesday night friends and family gathered at the Portneuf Wellness Complex to remember the two young lives.

Family and friends remember both kids as kind and energetic. Isaac Ross, the kids’ cousin, said Lauren was really funny and could always make people smile. He said Eric was ambitious and a friend to everyone.

“Eric was my best friend growing up,” Ross said. “He always played games with me. Before we really made too many friends it was always me and him.”

Relatives said Eric and Lauren were inseparable and were the best of friends. Some feel because of that, it’s tragic, but almost appropriate, that they went together.

“Lord had mercy on them because if they both didn’t go, Eric wouldn’t be able to function without Lauren and Lauren wouldn’t be able to function without Eric,” Ross said. “They just loved each other very much and they were very close.”

Friends and family lit candles, sang songs and spoke of their favorite memories of the teens. Friends of Eric’s had a dirt bike tribute for him, since he loved dirt bikes. The Century cheer squad turned out to honor Lauren.

Many at the vigil said they are still in complete shock they are both gone. But all agreed both kids will be very missed.

Jay Lanningham, 70, from Nampa was also killed in the crash on Sunday.

The cause of that accident is still under investigation.

There are several fundraisers set up to help the Neibaur family:

Friday, June 23: Double Shot Coffee and Donuts is holding a tip drive. All tips and donations will go to the family. It runs from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the location on Jefferson Ave. and from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the location on E. Cedar Street.

Saturday, June 24: Triathlon Tournament at Clydesdale Bar and Lounge. The triathlon involves pool, horseshoes and darts. It goes from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participation is $10.

Saturday, July 1: Maple Sit N’ Sleep from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event will feature a car wash, bake sale, silent auction and raffle to raise money. It will be at the Sit N’ Sleep at 206 W Maple Street.

The American Legion Baseball Tournament is also accepting donations for the family for the duration of the tournament. Two Go Fund Me pages have also been set up for the family and so far, have about $17,000.

Links to Go Fund Me pages:

https://www.gofundme.com/neibaur-family

https://www.gofundme.com/3yd1geg