The Ave Herald

Matthew "Alex" Klucik, the oldest of seven children, was killed early Monday when his car left the road north of Emerson Park shortly after midnight and overturned in a canal. Mr. Klucik, 19, graduated from the Donahue Academy in May and was enrolled as a freshman at Ave Maria University this fall.  (Above, Alex Klucik with Sr. Teresa Benedicta on Donahue Academy graduation day.)

A passenger in the car, Catherine Victoria Pesiri, 21, who lives with her mother in the Middlebrooke neighborhood of Ave Maria, escaped the accident with minor injuries, Florida Highway Patrol said.

Almost all the residents of Ave Maria who were in town today turned out for the noon Mass Monday at the oratory, which pastor Father Robert Tatman held as a memorial, with prayers offered for Alex Klucik.

"Alex was a delightful and energetic young man, full of promise," said Donahue Academy Headmaster Dr. Dan Guernsey. "What a tragedy this is for us all. He was generous with his time, giving himself to others and looking for a way to help whether as captain of the football team, volunteer basketball coach, or just to lend a hand or a smile when needed."

The Kluciks (right) moved to Hampton Village in Ave Maria shortly after the town opened. Alex Klucik's father, Robb Klucik, has a law office in the town center.

The Highway Patrol said that Mr. Klucik lost control of the car he was driving while rounding a curve and the car went over an embankment into the water.

 Click here for more pictures of Alex Klucik and his family.

Click here for a video tribute to Alex Klucik.