Updated at: 10/10/2009 11:22 PM
By: Katie Nordeen
KNordeen@wdio.com

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In Wake of Tragedy, Friends Come Together

Friends of Emerald "Emmy" Foss, 18 gathered Saturday to remember their former classmate who died far too young. The teen from Bovey was well-known to many, and described as smart, vibrant and always smiling.

'She was always there for you if you ever needed her," said close friend Mac Gould, 18. "She was a great person-- everyone loved her."

And while their hearts are aching for one, they turn to their faith, for two others.

"I've been praying a lot for them, just hoping they can both pull through," Gould said.

Hailey Salo,18, from Grand Rapids, Paige Anderson, 16, from Bovey, are still hospitalized. Salo in 'stable' condition, Anderson is in 'critical.'

One day following the crash that put them there, Minnesota state troopers work to reconstruct the scene. According to them, the three friends were driving in a car Friday afternoon, attempting to cross Highway 169 in Coleraine at Curley Avenue, when they pulled out in front a school bus. On that bus, was the Ely High School football team, 23 players and three coaches. Officials say the bus driver received minor injuries, but his passengers were not hurt.

As the teenagers struggle to make sense of a tragic accident, many say they find support on a Facebook page setup in honor of Emmy, called, "In Loving Memory of Emerald Rose Foss." Members can share with another stories, memories and support and people are signing up in droves.

For Gould, that simply reinforces what he already knew; Emmy is loved.

"She touched the lives of so many people, it didn't matter how old you were. She was going to be your friend if you let her be your friend," said Gould.