Friends, classmates mourn the loss of Roxborough teen

A group of teenagers and parents gathered outside Shawmont Elementary School in Roxborough last night to pay their respects to an Upper Roxborough teenager who was killed in a car crash this week.  

A blue poster tied to a fence featured images of Quinn Fleming Green from his days at Shawmont along with the words: “Quinn – gone but not forgotten.” Former classmates and friends huddled together while lighting candles in his memory. 

Fleming Green, 14, was killed along with his mother, Karen Fleming Watts, 34, on Monday afternoon when their Volkswagon Jetta collided with a Sienna minivan on Kelly Drive, near Fountain Green Drive.  The mother and son were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. The 62-year-old female driver in the minivan remains in critical condition at Hahnemann University Hospital.

Green was a 2011 graduate of Shawmont Elementary School and had just entered the ninth grade at Franklin Learning Center in Philadelphia. According to Robert Gallagher, the vigil was organized by his son, Ryan, and two other boys, Josh Paul and Jake Richardson. 

“I talked to him every day,” said Ryan Gallagher. “He was my best friend, but do not forget his mother was also killed and keep his grandmother in your prayers since she now has to cope with the loss of her child and grandchild.”

According to many who spoke at the vigil, Quinn was a popular, if slightly mischievous, student who was into rock music and skateboarding. Classmates from lower grades who met Green briefly spoke about how friendly he was to them, unlike other upperclassmen. Many expressed their shock when they heard about his tragic death. 

“As a mom, how do you tell your children at their age that their friend is dead?” said local parent Cheryl McGarry. 

Some saw the news on television, others by word of mouth, mostly from their parents. During the vigil, many parents were on hand as students comforted one another in their grief.

“Quinn was a great kid,” said Joy Smith. “No one of your age should have to deal with loss this soon. No matter your age, never be afraid to talk to your parents about it.”

According to Green’s obituary, he is survived by father Timm Green; grandparents Ruth Fleming, Donna and Marty Stanton; great-grandmother Dolores Spencer; siblings Sydney and Syrus and other relatives and friends.

A viewing will be held tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Worship Center at 7860 Eva St. (between Shawmont and Port Royal avenues).  A funeral service will follow at 7:30 p.m.