Noel Herrera, 17, was on the sidewalk when he was hit by a driver who prosecutors say was high on PCP.
NORTH BERGEN - Noel Herrera, 17, was remembered by friends and family as a good student, dedicated friend, and talented skateboarder at his public viewing Friday night.
Herrera was one of two teens who died after being struck on the sidewalk by a car in North Bergen Saturday night. The all-night wake, which was open casket, began at 5 p.m. at Rivera Funeral Home in North Bergen.
Schools mourn 2 teens killed by car in North Bergen
The teenager, from Cliffside Park, was walking home on John F. Kennedy Boulevard with two friends when he was fatally struck by a 23-year-old speeding driver who prosecutors say was high on PCP. His friend Bryan Hernandez, 17, was also killed by the crash, and a third friend was non-fatally injured, officials said.
The funeral mass for Herrera will take place Saturday morning at 9:15 a.m. at St. Joseph of the Palisade Church in West New York, funeral officials said. Herrera, whose family was from El Salvador, was born in the United States, officials said.
Hundreds and hundreds of people, including many young teenagers, attended Herrera's viewing. By 7 p.m., a line had poured outside the funeral home.
Media were not allowed to take photos inside of the funeral home, but several people outside spoke about Herrera. Some local officials, including the mayors of West New York, North Bergen and Union City, were seen walking inside, and a few people sobbed outside the building.
Union City Schools Superintendent Silvia Abbato, who attended the viewing, said Herrera went to Union City elementary school, and Emerson Middle School before he transferred to Cliffside Park's middle school, where he was in eighth grade.
She said the boys were just walking home when they were hit. Counseling has been offered in the schools all week, she said, and people have been taking advantage of it.
"Kids and staff," she said.
Ambulances were stationed outside the funeral home. North Bergen EMS Chief Frank Travison said he planning to be there all night in case people fainted. "It's affected so many people in the town," he said sadly.
Herrera's cousin Dario Flores, 16, described his cousin as a good student who he used to accompany frequently to the Hoboken skate park. Herrera would do tricks like "kick flips, ollies, 180s."
"I always had fun with him every time I was with him," he said.
Asked how he felt hearing that the driver charged with hitting his cousin was allegedly on PCP, he said "I don't even know how to explain that."
Herrera's friend for six years, Brandon Padilla managed to say "he was there for me," before he began to tear up.
Another friend, Yasmin Lomas, who went to elementary school in Union City with Herrera, said he was "always full of character. He was a cool person... He used to like to skateboard like a lot, so he'd say that'd he kicks-back himself to heaven."
Eric Tremblay, of Jersey City, said that he knew Herrera and was friends with his brother. Tracy Davis, also of Jersey City, did not know Herrera at all, but said she was there just to show her support.
Both commented on how dangerous the congested area is for pedestrians.
"This (John F. Kennedy) Boulevard is dangerous. I almost got hit two weeks ago on 7th Ave," she said.
"I had a couple (close calls) but thank God nothing happened," Tremblay said. "I'm worried for my safety alone, who knows about everybody else's? Who knows who's going to be next?"
Laura Herzog may be reached at lherzog@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @LauraHerzogL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.