A ustin Kitchen was a very, very nice young man. He was to become a junior at Central Mountain High School this fall.
Sadly, he died after going under water in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River on what was a warm, comfortable Sunday night just over a week ago.
Austin, 15, was a carrier for The Express community newspaper.
His supervisor at The Express, District Sales Manager Liz Welshans, described Austin as a very personable young man who loved his family and especially talked lovingly about his siblings.
We should note that Great Island Presbyterian Church and its pastor, Benjamin Lins, along with the Yost-Gedon Funeral Home, showed tremendous love in allowing Austin to rest in peace.
And this past Sunday night, upward of 100 people - family and friends - gathered along the river's shore, candles lit, and released luminaries into the evening sky in honor of Austin.
Those attending the summer concert on the floating stage across the river all paused to recognize or say a brief prayer for Austin.
It was a beautiful tribute to a young man whose life ended too early, but whose great spirit will be remembered.
