Friends and family hold vigil for Belleville teen who died after go-cart crash

A candlelight vigil was held Friday night in memory of Jermel Ware, the 13-year-old Belleville boy who died Sunday after being injured in a collision between a go-cart he was riding in and a pickup truck on Saturday, May 11.

The vigil was held in Jaycee Park off West H Street in Belleville.

Jermel was a seventh-grader at West Junior High School, where he was known for his infectious smile.

Visitation for Jermel is set for 9 to 11 a.m. May 31 with a funeral service following at 11 a.m. May 31 at New Life In Christ Church at 689 Scott Troy Road in O’Fallon, according to his mother, Jasmine Phiffer. Serenity Memorial Chapel in Belleville is handling funeral arrangements. A GoFundMe account also has been established to assist Jermel’s family.

Jermel Ware
Jermel Ware
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who recently passed away after a go-cart crash, held a candlelight vigil in Belleville’s Jaycee Park on Friday. Here, his parents listen as loved ones pay tribute and give testimony to Jermel’s character.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who recently passed away after a go-cart crash, held a candlelight vigil in Belleville’s Jaycee Park on Friday. Here, his parents listen as loved ones pay tribute and give testimony to Jermel’s character.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who recently passed away following a go-cart accident, held a candlelight vigil for Jermel in Belleville’s Jaycee Park on Friday.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who recently passed away following a go-cart accident, held a candlelight vigil for Jermel in Belleville’s Jaycee Park on Friday.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who died Sunday after go-cart accident, held a candlelight vigil for Jermel in Belleville’s Jaycee Park Friday night.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who died Sunday after go-cart accident, held a candlelight vigil for Jermel in Belleville’s Jaycee Park Friday night.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who recently passed away after a go-cart accident, held a candlelight vigil for Jermel in Belleville’s Jaycee Park on Friday.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who recently passed away after a go-cart accident, held a candlelight vigil for Jermel in Belleville’s Jaycee Park on Friday.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who recently passed away following a go-cart accident, held a candlelight vigil for Jermel in Belleville’s Jaycee Park Friday night.
Friends and family of 13-year-old Jermel Ware, who recently passed away following a go-cart accident, held a candlelight vigil for Jermel in Belleville’s Jaycee Park Friday night.