May 20, 2008 — About 100 family members and friends gathered at the Lassen High School Student Center about 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, to bid a fond farewell to Elizabeth and Katie Morgan, two Janesville sisters who lost their lives in a tragic automobile accident on Highway 395 on Friday, May 9. About 4:45 p.m., the crowd released nearly 100 balloons, each containing a personal, hand-written message.

The girls’ parents, Samantha and Mike Lindsey, attended the event and released a string of balloons.

“I don’t know how to put it in words,” said Mike Lindsey, the girls’ stepfather. “The support we’ve been getting has been amazing. I’m overwhelmed. The community, the businesses and the people — everybody just came together and really showed their support.”

Scott Porter, administrative assistant at the California Correctional Center, said the idea of holding a balloon-release event came from one of the prison’s correctional counselors.

Porter liked the idea and called Safeway. The store donated 100 helium balloons and the gas to fill them. The store also donated drinks and desserts.

Family members, students and friends gathered in the student center and wrote personal messages to the two girls on square cards that were then attached to the balloons.

The group finally moved outside, and Mike Lindsey, with his wife Samantha by his side, said goodbye and I love you and released his string of balloons.

Everyone else released their balloons as well. Once they were released, the balloons soared into the air.

The crowd stood outside for several minutes and watched the balloons rise until they were no longer visible. Then they returned to the student center for refreshments.

“I like doing this stuff,” Porter said. “Sean Moore, the soldier injured in Iraq, and his wife showed up and released balloons. The idea was to give people a sense of closure.”

A memorial benefit concert to celebrate the lives of the two sisters will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at the Veterans Memorial Hall. Music will be provided by local country band Slant Six and DJ Brian Moore. Admission is $5.

The concert is sponsored by the Susanville Best of Broadway and all the proceeds go to the Morgan family.