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Candlelight vigil held for Granite Hills High School senior William Burton

Posted at 6:44 AM, Dec 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-12-16 02:16:27-05
EL CAJON, Calif. - Hundreds of people turned out for a candlelight vigil Friday evening in memory of William Burton, a star Granite Hills High School athlete killed in a traffic collision in Alpine.
 
Burton's close friends and coaches shared memories of the teen, known for his sense of humor and strong character.
 
The vigil was held in the quad of Granite Hill High School in El Cajon, where Burton was a senior.
 
Authorities said the 17-year-old was riding in the back of a Jeep Wrangler that didn't have a rear seat when the crash occurred shortly after a season-ending team banquet.
 
 

Burton was a standout defensive lineman who was recently named to the CIF All-San Diego first team defense. He also led all Eagles receivers and tight ends with 28 catches for 287 yards and four touchdowns.

One of his best performances came during a game against Steele Canyon in September, when he caught two touchdowns, including the game-winner with 2.9 seconds left in the contest.

The Granite Hills senior, who also played baseball at the El Cajon campus, is survived by his parents, Bradford and Donna, and brothers, Jake and Zachary.

On Saturday, Steele Canyon players plan to honor Burton at their state Division 3-A championship football game against Half Moon Bay starting at 6 p.m. at Southwestern College in Chula Vista.

10News learned a Catholic funeral mass for Burton will be held December 20 at 11 a.m. at the Queen of Angels Church in Alpine. Organizers say an internment and reception will follow.

On December 21, a "Celebration of Life" for Burton will be held at Shadow Mountain Church in El Cajon at 1:30 p.m.