'We were all happy when we were together': A solemn goodbye for Kiley Armstrong and Evan Fiore
TOMS RIVER−They were inseparable in life and even in death, as people mourned the loss of the young couple whose two caskets stood side by side inside of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.
The funeral Friday for Kiley Armstrong, 21, and Evan Fiore, 23, killed together in a crash on March 7, drew more than 250 people.
Arriving in a wheelchair and weeping was Krista Armstrong, Kiley's identical twin sister, who was severely injured in the crash along with her boyfriend Ryan Chapman, 19. He was unable to attend, still hospitalized but recovering, a friend said.
'For Evan and Kiley, life has changed, yes, but it has not ended,' said the Reverend G. Scott Shaffer, the pastor of the church.
As though to underscore his remarks, several doves were released into the sky after the service.
More: Toms River man found guilty of vehicular manslaughter after fatal 2022 crash
The obituaries of the couple each paid testament to their bond. Kiley Armstrong's obituary told how once the pair started dating, they were 'falling in love all but instantaneously, and they were inseparable thereafter – a perfect match.'
Fiore's obituary also paid tribute, noting, 'Evan quickly accomplished one goal in particular that can often prove so elusive for so many - he found the love of his life.'
Mike Rufano, 19, of Brick played hockey with Fiore and hung out with the couple, as well as Krista Armstrong and Chapman, who he grew up with.
Fiore 'was a good kid, focused all the time,' Rufano said. 'All good people.'
He recalled the time he spent with both couples, who were frequently together on weekends.
'There was a smile on my face all the time,' he said. 'We were all happy when we were together.'
The couple's tragic end happened shortly before 11 p.m. March 7 at the intersection of Routes 37 and 166 in Toms River, less than a mile from the church. The two couples were returning from a New Jersey Devils hockey game.
An unlicensed teen driver who authorities say was traveling at speeds of up to 118 mph in a 35 mph zone in a BMW while eluding police crashed into the Toyota Camry carrying the two couples.
Fiore and Kiley Armstrong were in the front seats, and were killed in the crash.
The driver, whose name has not been released because he is a minor, has been charged as a juvenile with two counts of aggravated manslaughter and a host of other charges.
His case is pending in Monmouth County.
Ken Serrano covers crime, breaking news and investigations. Reach him at 732-643-4029 or kserrano@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Funeral for Kiley Armstrong, Evan Fiore killed in Toms River crash
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