Family and friends gather to remember LoriBeth Klenk

More than 50 family and friends gathered at a candlelight vigil Jan. 10 to celebrate the memory of LoriBeth Klenk on the anniversary of her untimely death.

The 24-year-old was killed Jan. 10, 2009, when 21-year-old Dana Pustolski lost control of her car and crossed the center line, colliding head on with Klenk on Hercules Road at Lancaster Pike, according to police. Pustolski has pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and drunk driving.

The vigil, held at the Klenk family’s Village of Manley home, was a way to honor LoriBeth and spread a message encouraging young people not to drink and drive, said Maria Klenk, LoriBeth’s mother.

“LoriBeth did not die in vain,” she said. “She’s not forgotten. She’ll always be with us.”

LoriBeth, who graduated from A.I. duPont High School and was pursuing a business degree at Wilmington College at the time of her death, will be remembered most for her smile and cheerful personality, Maria said.

She genuinely cared about people, Maria said, and though her life was cut short, LoriBeth will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew her.