Gorham says goodbye to student killed in crash

GORHAM – Friends and family packed the auditorium at Gorham High School on Oct. 24 for the funeral of student Branden Denis, who was killed in a single-car crash.

Denis, 16, and another passenger, 35-year old Eric S. Morey of Gorham, died on Oct. 19 when, police said, a driver lost control of a car and crashed into a clump of trees off Route 302 in Bridgton. Morey left three children, according to his obituary.

Police identified the driver as Denis’ mother, Candice L. Tucker, 34, who was transported to Bridgton Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

Bridgton police did not disclose on Tuesday whether any charges would be filed.

“The crash is still under investigation,” Bridgton Police Chief Kevin L. Schofield said in an email response.

Denis was well known in the community as a quiet leader and a standout football player. School officials on Tuesday estimated 600 attended the combined visiting hours and funeral service.

The 450-seat auditorium was nearly filled for the funeral service, school officials said. Gorham Police Chief Ronald Shepard said the funeral was the first held at Gorham High School.

Speakers at the funeral included Gorham football coach Andy Hager and Gemma Long of Steep Falls, Denis’ maternal grandmother, who read an essay, “Varsity,” written by her grandson about how he made the team.

Throughout last week, a multitude of schools called Gorham High School offering condolences and sent cards and flowers.

“There’s been an outpouring from all over the state,” said Kim Slipp, assistant principal, who was in the lobby outside the auditorium during funeral visiting hours.

A memorial with Denis’ football gear was displayed in the lobby. Some students left signed cards and wrote messages at the memorial.

School officials wearing IDs were in the lobby during visiting hours to offer help for grieving students. Debbie Stirling, an administrative assistant, said on Tuesday counselors were still available at the school for grieving students.

Denis was a lineman on the Gorham High School football team. The Rev. David M. Patterson, pastor of Highland Cliff Advent Christian Church in Windham, said before the funeral service that Denis was unselfish, a hard worker and a light.

Patterson quoted from the Bible, citing verses in the Book of Matthew about light. He challenged others to emulate Denis.

“The combined light can push away a lot of darkness,” Patterson said.

Patterson said he talked with several students about Denis.

“He made us want to be better,” said Patterson, citing some comments and adding, “It’s a darker place because he’s not here.”

Teammates and friends nicknamed Denis, who was noted for his weight-lifting prowess, Superman. Some students attended Denis’ funeral wearing Superman regalia or shirts with Denis’ football number 64. Helmet decals with the number were available at the funeral.

Patterson said music at the funeral included “Waiting for Superman” and the Rod Stewart version of “Forever Young.”

Patterson said Denis had big shoulders and that teammates called Denis a quiet leader.

“He led by example,” Patterson said.

Patterson said the school did an outstanding job with organizing the funeral and he was impressed with the students.

“There were tears,” he said, but the students handled the grief together.

Branden Denis