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Tucson- Just as the world and the rest of the country is witnessing the grief being felt in Newtown Connecticut, close to home, the residents of Vail are experiencing a tragedy of their own.

Early Sunday morning, Empire High School quarterback Grayson Weeks died in a crash, at I-10 and Marsh Station Road, near Benson.

The 16-year-old, was a passenger in a car that left the interstate and then rolled over.
Weeks was not wearing a seatbelt. He was ejected from the car and then struck by an SUV heading in the opposite direction.

Family and friends are now trying to deal with the loss of a young man they describe as a great athlete, leader and friend. And reality is still setting in. Family member, Mito Mandivil, says his cousin was an incredible person, "He was a very likeable person, great person all around, he got along with anybody no matter what."

Empire Teammate, Nick Lakosky, said Grayson possessed everything you would want in a friend, "Every opinion you had he respected and he was a funny guy" Lakosky said, "he always made jokes and kept things lighthearted."

Attributes friends and family will recall most, but Grayson Weeks will also be remembered as a great athlete. He played varsity football since his freshman year, starting at quarterback the last two seasons. He was also a great wrestler, qualifying for Nationals and State and off to a 15-1 record this year.

Former teammate, Loren Henry, said the tragic loss of his friend is a sad reminder for those who now must go on without him, "When I heard about it, it just made me realize how valuable life is and how easily it can be taken from you."