Fundraiser to help build basketball courts in memory of Somerset Berkley graduates killed in car crash

BERKLEY - A fundraising effort has begun to create a basketball court in the center of town in memory of two young men killed in a horrific crash in March.

On March 27, a car accident claimed the lives of Christian Couto and Devyn Crosby, both 2019 graduates of Somerset Berkley Regional High School. At the time of their deaths, Couto and Crosby were remembered by friends, family, coaches and teammates as loving and caring individuals who had smiles that could light up any room.

Their deaths came just as the pandemic was in its early stages, when COVID-19 restrictions prohibited large gatherings and funerals, though friends, teammates and more took part in a rolling tribute through town to honor the young men.

Both Couto and Crosby were members of the SBRHS basketball team and were basketball teammates since the first grade.

Linda Crosby, Devyn’s aunt, wanted to do something in their honor that would benefit the community and create a place where people can remember the young men. Working together with Devyn’s mother, Lisa Crosby, Christian’s mother, Tania Couto, and Kimberly Robidoux, she started an online fundraiser on the GoFundMe site, with all donations going directly toward creating basketball courts in memory of the boys.

“They both had a love for the game,” said Tania Couto, which she said makes the basketball courts such a great fit to honor their memory.

She said that what made the game so special for Christian was that he loved the team environment.

“He was always the teammate that was willing to be there for any of his teammates on and off the court,” she said. “Through basketball, he was able to meet and connect with so many kids.”

At press time, the donation site had raised more than $28,000 toward the goal of $40,000. In less than a week, 258 people have donated and almost a thousand people have shared the link via social media. Many donors have left kind words and heartfelt messages for the Couto and Crosby families.

The courts are planned for Berkley Commons in the center of town. On the donations page, Lisa Crosby stated, “These courts will be a gift to the Town of Berkley and a special place commemorating the boys and their impact on so many! We envision a great deal of use of three courts and where better than on the Common!”

Tania Couto also talked about the impact she hopes the courts will have on the community. “We have been overwhelmed with the support from the community, friends and family. And look forward to the courts being utilized by the whole community, all while having a great time.”

The donation page can be accessed at https://gf.me/u/yasgr6.