ZOARVILLE, Ohio — While a fiery bus crash on a highway east of Columbus killed six members of Tusky Valley and devastated the local school district a year ago, the community is making sure those lost will never be forgotten.

On the morning of November 14, 2023, a charter bus carrying members of the Tusky Valley High School band was involved in a chain reaction accident on I-70 in Licking County.

“This tragedy has truly touched many lives,” community gathers after tragic bus accident

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In addition to the charter bus, four other vehicles were involved in the crash caused by a semi truck that was allegedly following too closely and unable to slow down in time.

Investigators said the semi truck driven by Jacob McDonald of Zainesville first collided with an SUV before hitting the bus.

All three people in the SUV were killed: high school teacher Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre, accompanying parent Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar, and accompanying parent Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar.

Also killed were the three students on the bus: John Mosley, 18, of Mineral City, JD Worrell, 18, of Bolivar, and Katelyn Owens, 15, of Mineral City.

McDonald was indicted on 26 criminal charges, including six counts of aggravated vehicular homicide. His trial is scheduled to begin in Licking County on Dec. 2.

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On Sunday, the victims were honored during The Stand with the Band Memorial Walk, which ran from noon to 6 p.m.

Each hour of the event represented one of the victims.

“I did five laps, which was a little bit for me, but it was still good,” Brynn Goedel said.

Goedel was sitting in the back of the charter bus when the accident occurred.

After 6 weeks in the hospitals, Tusky Valley HS student Brynn Goedel is home

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She suffered a concussion, burns to her face and arms, and multiple fractures to her ribs and pelvis.

“It’s definitely crazy. It was also kind of heartwarming to see them all go. I was in a wheelchair for quite a while, and then I walked, so it’s crazy to go back and everything, but I’m doing it for my friends who died,” Goedel added.

Goedel previously told News 5 that one of the victims, Katelyn Owens, was her best friend and had been since kindergarten.

Hundreds of people showed up for Sunday’s event, including Lisa Owen, who said she has been teaching in Tusky Valley for 30 years.

“We had a tragedy a year ago and lost six people we love,” Owen said. “It really comes down to love. We love each other and we are all connected whether it is through school, family or friends. We’re all in this together.”

She described seeing the large turnout at the event as a “beautiful thing”.

Owen went to the event with her furry friend, Hank Aaron. He is a golden labradoodle.

Hank Aaron is a service animal that Owen said he often brings to Tusky Valley Elementary. His sister goes to the high school every day, Owen added.

Owen said a generous donation from Smuckers to the canine assistance program made it possible to adopt two service animals.

“(Hank Aaron) provides a little joy. He is such a natural lover,” Owen said.

Aside from a hug from the gentle giant Owen calls Hank Aaron, the event also had a blood drive.

Since the tragedy, the Trojan Foundation has received more than $1 million in donations — money that has been used to help the victims’ families with expenses.

Separately, the foundation is also in the process of establishing six scholarships in honor of the lives lost.