Honoring two men who died in the Grand Island crash

GORDON, Neb. (NCN) – The town of Gordon is in mourning after a tragic accident on Grand Island left four men dead, all with deep roots in the Sandhills community. Last week, two of the victims were honored with a heartfelt funeral procession.

“Unbelief. I didn’t want it to be true,” Randi told American Horse.

“Of course there were tears,” said Ricky Gray Grass.

American Horse and Gray Grass organized a memorial run – a run they never thought they would host.

“We pray for the families. It was a tragic loss,” American Horse said.

Earlier this month, American Horse and Gray Grass' adopted son, along with three close friends and family members, died in an accident on Grand Island. All four men were originally from Gordon.

“I was with my family. 13 people live with me. That was the hardest news to give them – letting them know what happened to their friend, their brother, their cousin, their nephew,” American Horse said.

Two of these young men, 22-year-old Juan Ramos, a new father, and 18-year-old Alex Ramos American Horse, a recent high school graduate, often participated in similar spiritual runs.

“We’re just keeping their spirit alive – so they won’t be forgotten. They will always be with us,” Gray Grass said.

And their loved ones wanted to walk with them one more time as their bodies traveled from the Pine Ridge funeral home to Gordon City Hall, where the memorial service was held.

“This is closure for a lot of people who ran with us and knew Juan and Alex,” American Horse said.

“It's not over yet. Even though they are gone, they will always be with us,” said Gray Grass.

One final run to honor two young men who touched so many lives.

“With support, love and encouragement we will get through it,” Gray Grass said.

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