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(CNN) -- The town of Fairport, New York, is mourning the loss of five teenage friends killed this week in a fiery highway crash.
CNN.com asked readers to share their thoughts, condolences and reactions. Below is a selection of their responses, some of which have been edited for length and clarity:
Deb Rawdon of Fairport, New York
As they say at graduation, "Once a Raider ... always a Raider." Both of my sons graduated from Fairport High School ... one in 2003 and one in 2004 and the grief that we are all feeling is indescribable. I just want their families, friends and the administration at Fairport High School to know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. My heart is broken.
Christine Gray of Rochester, New York
I did not know the girls personally, but I am from Rochester. Our entire city is mourning their loss. My mother's reaction was one of tears, and my father was of anger as to how five young pretty girls could lose their lives like this. My condolences go out to everyone who knew the girls.
Jennifer Heywood of Hampstead, North Carolina
My husband and I were vacationing in Orlando in March during the Cheerleading and Dance Competition, and happened to see the squads leaving afterward; we watched the girls walk by, holding up their trophy proudly; they were laughing, happy, and it brought me back to my own cheerleading days in high school and what a wonderful joyous time it was, the innocent years when you think you're all grown up, yet you are still a child, wide-eyed with the whole world at your fingertips. I could see they were happy, loved, carefree, and what a tragedy to know those beautiful girls are no longer with us. I can't find the words to express the sorrow I feel for all the families and friends, and I don't even know them. Hold onto the memories.
Bob Stowell of Lyons, New YorkFirst, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to the families, friends and community. I live only 30 minutes from Fairport and know some people from that community. This is a close community, and I'm truly sorry for this tragedy to happen to all. Please to all that know or don't know anyone involved say a prayer for the families. Also always remember that life is precious. Take a moment to stop and be a little more kind and loving to all people -- family and stranger. It should not take something so tragic to remember that kindness and love should be spread; if we all did this, the world would be a better place. One last thought, take a moment and stop to tell your kids you love them because life is too short not to.
Wes Wittkowski of Clearwater, Minnesota
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of these young ladies. Almost six years ago my daughter was killed in a car accident. Until you have lost a child you will never know the pain a parent goes through in times like this.
To the parents of the five girls; you will get through this; it won't be easy, but you will make it. Stay close to your family and friends. These people want to help. Let them. I know your hearts are breaking because mine is too.
Ralph Freville of Rochester, New YorkI just wanted to send my condolences to the families in this horrific accident. These young ladies had their lives taken at such an early age. You're in all of our prayers.
Greg Myers of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I am a radiology supervisor at Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philly. When I read about this tragedy, I was floored. In my 28 years of health care ..., this hit me like nothing ever has. I'm not sure why.
No, I do know why. I thought of my young nieces, my young patients, and especially, my significant other's two young daughters. How easily a happy, giddy innocence, so full of life and with so much ahead, can be wiped out of your life so horribly. Why? There is no answer. God bless these five angels' families and loved ones left behind.
Catherine Johnson of Kansas City, Missouri
As a law enforcement officer and a mother of a daughter learning to drive, my heart breaks. My thoughts and prayers go out, not only to the family of the young girls, but to the friends that watched helplessly and the first responders that tried valiantly to help. The pain may not be equal, but it is shared by all who witnessed the tragic event.
Martha McCahill of Portland, Maine
This is a horrible tragedy and it is unfortunate that it happened. The girls had so much ahead of them. I'm originally from the next town over from Fairport, so it somewhat hits home for me, even though I didn't know them. If any teenagers who have graduated from high school are reading this, please take this story to heart. The world is forever changed because of the deaths of these five girls.
Danielle Mueller of Lehigh, Florida
My prayers go out to all the family members and friends of those girls. It's horrible how a thing like this could happen. When I was 5, my older sister died in a car crash with four of her friends four days before their high school prom. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. God bless.
Holly Clough of Fairport, New York
I wish the media would focus on young people who have had a positive effect on their communities instead of stars who behave in a negative and selfish way. These five students from Fairport were sweet, caring and excellent role models for others. The Fairport community has lost five young people who were full of life and loved by all who knew them. They were pillars of the community who volunteered to help others in Fairport and abroad (India). These deaths have impacted the whole community. My thoughts and prayers are for the friends, family and the community.
Tanya Brooks of Elkhart, Indiana
Here we are -- just us five
Up here in heaven we are still alive
The way we left was oh, so suddenly
Our father above had called to us immediately
Grade, middle, and high school we had finished
Mourn for us now -- for with his love you will be replenished
To all our friends and family -- let your tears just flow
For they have a language all their own -- just like his rainbow
Mom and Dad -- we love you
Your little girls are in heaven and we are covering you
Remember when I made you laugh and sometimes cry
Look up unto heaven -- we are engraved in the sky
I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee
Our room in the mansion was ready -- he has given us the key
Karen Daquin of Metairie, Louisiana
We are truly sorry to hear of your losses and hope you will find the grieving time you deserve. All of the girls will be in our prayers and the families also. I know we are far away, but we know how you feel to lose a young loved one. Just remember to always hold the great times you had in your hearts and minds ever.
Cindy Krell of Lewiston, New YorkMy deepest sympathy to the family and friends of this tragic accident. I cannot begin to express the heartache that I felt after hearing of your loss. I can only wish that you somehow find comfort and peace through the love and support of those around you during this difficult time. Your loss breaks my heart for I, too, am the parent of a beautiful young daughter. My prayers are with you all. I am sending a special prayer to the truck driver who also was involved in this tragic accident. May God provide you guidance.
Timothy Lee of Virginia Beach, Virginia
The accident is absolutely devastating. Five girls who just graduated high school, on their way to college, don't even get the chance to experience all the excitement life had to offer them after high school.
I lost four good friends in an accident on the Eastern Shore of Virginia in January, and I can imagine the shock and sadness that these families are in, just an unexpected nightmare. God bless the families during this tragic moment of their life
June Patmon of San Diego, California
I look at CNN every morning before starting my work. I wept uncontrollably when I saw the headlines. My heart continues to ache for those beautiful girls. I cannot begin to fathom what their parents, families and friends are going through today. I will forever pray for them, and mostly for the survivors who had to witness that horrible mishap. My sincere condolences to the entire community, because I know the entire community mourns today. May God bless you all, and may those young ladies rest in peace.
Evelyn Ferchau of Stillwater, Oklahoma
To the Goodman, McClure, Monnat, Congdon and Shirley families: We are so sorry to hear about this. My heart just aches for you. We lost our 15-year-old son in a drag-racing accident in which he was a passenger in October 2001. It is a parent's worst nightmare and if it happens, it changes you forever. I will be praying you will be able to get the rest you need to get you through this horribly difficult time. Bible verses that really helped us were Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. Again, I am so saddened to hear this news. The Lord be with you.
Mark Diwak of Branford, ConnecticutI don't know them, but after hearing this, it makes us all think how short life can be and how important it is to say I love you or give our loved ones a hug. My condolences go out to all five of the families of these beautiful young women as well as all of their friends.
