July 15, 2005

Two EVHS teens lose their lives in severe car accident

Evergreen community copes with tragedy, loss

By Bea Baechle, Editor
and Jeffrey Lo, Intern

Shock. Utter disbelief. Deep sadness. A solemn throng of about 150 students shared these feelings at Evergreen Valley High School on July 2.

Torrienne Hunt, July 12, 1987 to July 15, 2005.	Tristine Hunt, April 23, 1989 to July 4, 2005.

They had gathered to remember the life of a recent EVHS graduate, Torrienne Hunt, who had died the previous day from injuries sustained in a severe car accident.

On July 4, his sister Tristine passed away too. The Evergreen teens were in New Mexico, traveling with their parents to visit potential colleges for Torrienne at the time of the one-car collision. Both parents are healing from their injuries and will be returning to Evergreen in the coming weeks.

On July 5, more than 500 students, parents and teachers crowded into the EVHS theatre in honor of a brother and sister admired and loved by their friends.

Torrienne’s July 2 memorial
EVHS site council member Rufus White told the students gathering on that warm July 2 summer evening, “In the midst of this tragedy, we’re here to get through it together. All of us are strong, but none of us are as strong as all of us together.”

After taking a moment of silence in Torrienne’s memory, White encouraged the students to share their feelings and cherish their memories of Torrienne “to help all of us through the healing time.”

At first students sat quietly in their grief, unable to capture in words what the popular varsity basketball player and track and field star “T” had meant to them. Finally former EVHS student Chris Wright got up and led the sharing, releasing a floodgate of emotion and tears in the room.

A memorial for Torrienne and Tristine Hunt is set up in the front lobby of Evergreen Valley High School.

“I’ve known T since first grade. He was a very, very good friend—one of the nicest people in the world. He had NO enemies … he was one of the sweetest people in the world, and he made you feel good inside.”

Student after student recalled Torrienne’s kind nature, his big smile, his tendency never to complain and his willingness to

give someone a hug when they needed it. Many shared that he was the one person who deserved to live, and the last person that they would have expected to die.

It was difficult for the students to grapple with the harsh fact that such a good person could die so young. Roman Nahal stated, “Sometimes God takes the finest first … I’ve never seen a guy with such a big heart—that’s why it’s so devastating.”

Knowing Torrienne on the court and as a friend since seventh grade, Nahal said he never heard him swear and that Torrienne couldn’t be tempted to do some of the crazy things that teenagers sometimes do.

Skilled, passionate athlete
EVHS Junior Andrew Mam recalls first seeing Torrienne as a fierce competitor on the basketball court. He initially found him a bit intimidating. But when he actually got to know him, Mam said, “He was one of the nicest people I’ve met in my life. I’m going to miss him.”

Skilled basketball player Torrienne Hunt, #32, “had more moves than anyone on the court.”

Angel Garcia, who had grown up with Torrienne, agreed that on the basketball court, Torrienne could be fierce. Fighting back the tears, he added, “but he was the sweetest person you could meet … of all people—not Torrienne! He always had a smile on his face, and he was there for you when you needed him. A part of me is just gone. I loved Torrienne—he was like my brother and I’ll never forget him.”

EVHS junior Ishmael Darbey said that when he first received a message about Torrienne, he expected to hear that he had been accepted into a college where he could play basketball. “This year in track, if he had one drop of water left, he would give it to you, no matter how thirsty he was ... These tears today are a small price to pay for what he gave all of us. Rest in peace.”

Several students shared that although they weren’t as skilled in basketball or in track as Torrienne, he always gave them a lot of inspiration and encouragement. Torrienne willingly helped underclassmen improve their running, and one student shared that when he didn’t make the basketball team, Torrienne “told me if it was up to him, he’d give me his spot.”

Assistant Varsity Boys Basketball Coach Gil Perez, who has been coaching for 22 years, told the students how pleasant it was to coach Torrienne, even when he was dealing with personal or academic challenges.

“Don’t quit,” said Perez. “If you have dreams, fulfill them. You’ll have challenges, like Torrienne did, but it’s how you deal with them that counts. Stay focused in life, and keep Torrienne in your heart.”

EVHS parent Jim Brass noted that Torrienne had a great influence on his two boys. “He may have been challenged in school, but not on the court … he had more moves than anyone on the court,” he said.

Leave a mark
During a brief lull in the sharing, White recalled his own high school days and recited a few stanzas from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem, “A Psalm of Life.”

White then encouraged the students to leave their own footprints in the sand, as Torrienne had done. “He was a great person and was doing something with his life,” agreed one student. Another student added, “You don’t realize how much you love someone until they’re gone, so don’t forget to show your family and friends that you love them.”

EVHS parent Jessica Martinez shared that even though she didn’t personally know Torrienne, all the stories about him touched her deeply. “He was not only a blessing to my girls and me, he was a spiritual, loving person. He’s was an angel on earth, and he’s an angel in heaven.”

EVHS graduate Eric Pena described Torrienne as charming and charismatic. “He didn’t just present you with his personality, but with his soul. There was passion in everything he did, and he strived to be the best. I’ll celebrate and cherish every moment I had with him.”

Combined July 5 memorial
On July 4, EVHS Associate Principal Lynne Murray learned that Tristine had also passed away after being in a coma for three days. As soon as they heard the news, students quickly assembled at the school to hold another memorial similar to Torrienne’s.

On July 5, more than 500 students, parents and teachers filled Evergreen Valley’s theatre to capacity in honor of Tristine and Torrienne Hunt. Photo by Jeffrey Lo

Because of the holiday, Murray sent students home with flyers for a memorial in the theatre honoring both Tristine and Torrienne the next day.

On July 5, students returned to the EVHS campus ready to relive good memories about their two fallen friends. Students lined up in front of the theater, greeted by several giant yellow banners available for them to write messages to Torrienne, Tristine and other members of the family.

Once inside the theatre, friends filled the stage with gifts that symbolized all of their good memories: basketball and track pictures, drama posters, headbands, flowers and dolls. Murray began the ceremony with the standing-room only crowd by saying, “Our agenda for tonight is to just be together and remember our friends.”

One by one emotional students and teachers lined up next to the stage to speak about the two that they loved so much. Once again, Chris Wright was one of the first speakers to come to the stage, this time sharing something about his friend’s sister. “Tristine knew I was Torrienne’s friend. I don’t even think she knew my name, but she said hi to me everyday.”

At the July 5 memorial, community members write a message to either the children or parents of the Hunt family. The many banners were later sent to the Hunt family in New Mexico. Photo by Jeffrey Lo

EVHS senior Michelle Nguyen recalled the appreciation Torrienne showed toward everyone, “After every basketball game he would thank me for showing up, for cheering, for painting posters—for everything.”

“He’s probably playing basketball up in heaven right now,” added Iffy Ogamba.

English teacher Valerie Arbizu remembered, “Every day I knew Torrienne was coming to class when I heard him whistling along with the dribbling of the basketball. I think he was born with a basketball. The only time I saw him not carrying a basketball was when I saw him walking across the stage to graduate.”

Like her brother, Tristine was a strong competitor in the sport she participated in. As a shot put thrower, Tristine placed second in the league and qualified for CCS. She was also named “Most Valuable Field Athlete.”

“Tristine was an amazing shot put thrower with an incredible work ethic. She always practiced and never complained,” said EVHS senior Justin Sagisi.

Many people recalled the passion and work ethic Tristine possessed. “I was in track with Tristine during my sophomore year. I remember every day I walked out on the field, and she was always the first one there. She was so dedicated,” reminisced senior Jenni Cianci fellow shot put thrower and actress.

In addition to her dedication to track, Tristine was a 4.0 student and an actress who had recently appeared in Evergreen Valley’s production of “The Odd Couple Female Version.” She was named “Most Improved Actress” for 2004-05.

Tristine’s fellow drama students approached the stage as a group, but this time, they weren’t there to act. “Tristine was always kind and wonderful to everyone she met and was truly a star here on earth. At least now she’s among the true stars in heaven, right where she belongs,” said EVHS senior Chelsea deJesus.

In her sophomore year Tristine Hunt (left) performed in the EVHS Fall Production of “The Odd Couple Female Version.” She posed backstage with her friends and fellow actresses Missy Harter and Amy Shank.

Sophomore Amy Shank, who had also appeared in “The Odd Couple,” said, “I don’t know that many genuinely good people, but Tristine was one of them.”

Senior Missy Harter agreed. “Tristine was one of the most sincere people I’ve ever met,” said Harter, who found it difficult to stay in character to yell at Tristine in “The Odd Couple.”

“She was so polite and she loved to draw,” continued Harter. When she got some Anime drawing books at the Christmas party, her eyes just lit up.”

Harter also remembered the times when they would walk out of late play rehearsals and Torrienne would be waiting to walk his sister home. “I think part of the reason why Tristine left us too is because God knew they couldn’t live without each other.”

After the two-and-a-half hour memorial, the EVHS community left behind some of their grief in the theatre and took away many good memories, knowing that the brother and sister called “T Squared” were together in a better place.

Community support
The Evergreen community has rallied behind the Hunt family in their time of need. EVHS parent Diane Goodrich created a schedule for friends who have offered their services with food, yard work and any other help the Hunts need.
If you would like to help, contact Diane Goodrich at diane@esginc.com, (408) 646-6895, Angie Nunn, at nunna@esuhsd.org, (408) 347-7070.

It is hoped the date, time and location of all services will be announced during the week of July 17. For regular updates, see the EVHS Web site at www.ev.ca.campusgrid.net/home.

Hunt Family Memorial Fund
The Hunt Family Memorial Fund has been established in memory of Torrienne and Tristine Hunt for the many individuals in the community who have requested to help.

Make donations to:
Hunt Family Memorial Fund
Account: 6783257527 at Any Wells Fargo Bank

For information: http://www.ccys.com (Coyote Creek Youth Sports Website)