Site last updated: Friday, April 26, 2024

Log In

Reset Password
MENU
Butler County's great daily newspaper

Vigil commemorates lives of 2 students

During a vigil Tuesday at Zelienople Community Park, Christina Teimouri, center, listens to Seneca Valley students and community members share their memories of her son Nick DeBiase and another student who also passed away recently.

ZELIENOPLE — Scores of Seneca Valley students, parents and community members gathered in a semicircle Tuesday evening, honoring two Seneca students who recently died by suicide.

Nearly 100 people attended the candlelight vigil at Zelienople Community Park Amphitheater to remember Nick DeBiase, 16, of Cranberry Township, and Hayden Regal, 15, of Evans City, both Seneca Valley students who died in December.

Braving the cold, the memorialists stood solemnly, holding candles while hearing classmates and friends recount, often tearfully, their cherished memories of Nick and Hayden.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at anytime by calling 800-273-8255.

A portion of this story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com.

Seneca Valley students receive candles while entering the vigil for Nick DeBiase and Hayden Regal, who both passed away recently, at Zelienople Community Park in Zelienople, Pa. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Students and community members took turns sharing their memories of the two boys, many emphasizing the importance of suicide awareness. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle 1/4/22
Seneca Valley freshman Cameron Basilone and Melody Basilone attend the vigil for Nick DeBiase and Hayden Regal, who both passed away recently, at Zelienople Community Park in Zelienople, Pa. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Students and community members took turns sharing their memories of the two boys, many emphasizing the importance of suicide awareness. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle 1/4/22
Seneca Valley students and community members gather for the vigil of Nick DeBiase and Hayden Regal, who both passed away recently, at Zelienople Community Park in Zelienople, Pa. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle 1/4/22
Seneca Valley students and community members gather for the vigil of Nick DeBiase and Hayden Regal, who both passed away recently, at Zelienople Community Park in Zelienople, Pa. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022. Joseph Ressler/Butler Eagle 1/4/22

More in Digital Media Exclusive

Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter

* indicates required
TODAY'S PHOTOS