Loved ones gathered for a somber vigil Sunday to remember the couple killed in a Mastic Beach crash that happened just ahead of the holidays last year.

Prosecutors say the driver, Patrick Poillon, was going more than 70 mph when he ran a stop sign on Dec. 22, 2018. His car slammed into the vehicle carrying Jean and William Molnar.

The Mastic Beach grandparents were killed.

Authorities say Poillon left the scene after the crash, but he was later arrested and hit with multiple charges, including manslaughter.

The Molnars' grieving friends and family members returned to the crash site Sunday to honor their memories.

"How do you celebrate a Christmas when you have such a tragic loss?" says Christine Fudenski, the mother of Jean Molnar. "It's just not the same anymore."

"I just wish I could hear my brother's voice one more time," says William Molnar's sister, Joanne. "I miss him everyday. We'll never forget this, ever."

The family says a neighbor who lives in the house next to where the crash happened has hand-painted a sign. It contains with words of remembrance for which they are forever grateful.

And while the crash site is a painful place for the Molnars' family and friends, they say they had to return there to let people know that the Molnars' lives mattered and they don't want them to be forgotten.

Poillon pleaded not guilty to the charges against him stemming from the crash. He was released from jail and is due back in court on Jan 6.

MORE COVERAGE: Suspect in deadly Mastic Beach crash charged with manslaughterPolice: Driver left scene of crash that killed husband and wife

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'We'll never forget this': Loved ones pay tribute to couple killed in Mastic Beach crash 1 year ago - News 12 Long Island