Vigil brings community together to remember Aria Enciso

LACONIA — Over 100 people attended a candlelight vigil to honor the death of an 8-year-old Elm Street School student who died in a car crash on July 12. 

Scores of Laconians gathered at Leavitt Park on Friday evening to remember Aria Enciso, a student at Elm Street School who was killed in a car accident in Loudon. Her brother, Phillip, was seriously injured in the same crash and, at the time of the vigil, was in a Boston hospital with his mother, Chantel Bourdon, who addressed the crowd over the phone.

“I would speak in Aria’s memory, but I think it’s more important to speak to Aria, because I firmly believe that she is everywhere,” Bourdon said. “I could speak about how amazing she is, but it sounds like everybody knows just as much as I do. What I’d like to do is read Aria one last bedtime story.”

Bourdon read a classic bedtime story, “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch, which Bourdon said she’s read to all of her children. 

“About a week ago, Chantel had a huge loss,” said Sacoia Govoni, who organized the vigil. “Her son Phillip is currently in the hospital.”

State Police said a Mazda 3 driven southbound on Route 106 by Phillip Sporacio, 36, on July 12 crossed the center line and crashed into a northbound Toyota 4-Runner driven by Stacy Sargent, 52. Both children injured in the crash were passengers in the Mazda 3. 

Govoni said the tragedy hit her particularly hard as a new mother and someone who knew Bourdon personally, and she wanted to help the family any way she could. Govoni said a fundraising effort has cropped up to support the family and can be found at gofundme.com/f/support-chantel-after-arias-tragic-loss. As of this writing, the fundraiser had collected nearly $43,000.

“What makes this city so special is that we are such a strong and tightly-knit community. Gathering just after this tragedy the way we’ve gathered tonight is really more evidence of how much love there is in this community,” Mayor Andrew Hosmer said.

“During this difficult time, as we try to make sense of the senseless, as we try to understand why something like this occurred, there really are no words. What we can do is remember Aria Rose, described by some folks tonight as a light, as a friend to everyone, as someone who could put a smile on others face, as someone who’s empathetic and cared about how someone else was doing in her class. Though she was only with us for a few short years, I think it’s fair to say that not only those who knew her personally, even those of us who didn’t know her, feel enriched because a young person brought such joy.”

Members of the community and friends of Aria’s family spoke before the crowd, many of whom were in tears. The vigil was scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., and the park was filled with supporters well before that, and more came to pay their respects throughout the evening. Following words offered by those who knew Aria, the crowd lit handheld candles.

“It’s with heavy hearts that we are gathered here to honor and celebrate the life of a young person who tragically lost her life. I was so impressed with the number of people who showed up at the graveside service and I’m so impressed to see the number of people, although not surprised, here to see the family and honor this child,” Superintendent Steve Tucker said. “There are so many questions about the potential of this child: what would have happened in her future? What could happen, what would her relationships be like, what would her life be like? Unfortunately, we don’t have answers for those, but what I’ve learned is that this child has made an incredible impact on this community in her short time on this planet.”

Elm Street Principal Eric Johnson said Aria was a beloved and impactful student.

“I know that Elm Street School is a better place for having Aria in it, and we’re all better people for having known her for that brief period of time. She’s going to be so greatly missed, and we are definitely going to honor her,” Johnson said. “Chantel, I just want to reiterate how sorry we are for your loss and tell you 'Thank you' for the years we did have Aria.”

Sporacio, who said he is a friend of the family speaking on behalf of Aria’s grandparents, told the crowd Aria was well-loved and will be dearly missed. 

“We know that you’re watching over your little brother right now and your mother, and your sisters and your schoolmates,” he said. “We love you, we will always love you, you will always be a part of our family as well. Just keep a good eye on your little brother for us.”

“Dear Aria, I miss you so, so much. You had a great life, and I still love you so much,” Aria’s sister Harpor Bourdon said.

“I love everything about you, you’re so sweet. I miss you so much, and I will forever.”