It's been an emotional week for the East River High School community after the death of 18-year-old Nick Miner, and on Thursday night, students and families filled the stands even though no football game was being played.

Those in attendance paid tribute to Miner, the team's star quarterback, who died in a crash earlier this week.

"He just kind of had an aura about him cause he was pretty much our best player," said East River head football coach Tony Piccalo. "With that comes a lot of notoriety."

Miner grew up in the East River community and was known as a leader at the school, along with being named homecoming king.

Piccalo remembers the student-athlete as an individual with strong character. 

Over these last few years, he said he's enjoyed watching his quarterback grow into a man and find his voice.

"It took us about three years to really get his true personality out of him because he was a quiet kid," Piccalo said.

Miner was struck and killed by a car on Sunday while helping a friend whose car was stuck on the side of the road.

In his 6-year career at East River, Piccalo said he has never seen someone who has impacted the program, school, and even community like Miner has.

"He matured into a tremendous leader for us," he said.

Thursday night's game against Lake Howell was canceled due to the weather. It's now set for 2 p.m. this afternoon.

Miner's family has started a GoFundMe to help assist with funeral costs.

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