Students, family and community members are desperately trying to cope with the loss of 18-year-old Zaharias "Zack" Leventis, who was known for his sense of humor and personality. Leventis died last Friday as a result of the injuries he sustained in a car accident two days earlier.

"I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face," said Salem High School's senior class president George LaVasseur, who has been close friends with Leventis since elementary school.

Another close friend, Eric Holden said, "He could brighten anyone's day."

The teen was about to graduate with the Class of 2007 on June 1. He had a passion for cooking and planned to study culinary arts and become a professional chef. He often helped out at his cousin's restaurant, the Mediterranean Grill in Lynn.

Candles, flowers, and sentimental messages adorn the crash site, now converted into a memorial. About 150 people flocked to the memorial at midnight last Saturday, and held a candlelight vigil. Mourners told stories and reminisced about the good times shared with the teen. Friends have also created a page on www.myspace.com in memory of Leventis.

The crash occurred around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 2. Leventis was driving with his brother Andrew, 16, in his brother's green 1996 Saturn. Police reports indicate Leventis was navigating a sharp curve on Lafayette Street when he swerved to avoid a car that appeared to be pulling onto the road. The car struck a utility pole in front of 450 Lafayette St., just yards away from his home at 403 Lafayette St., trapping Leventis inside.

He was brought to Salem Hospital for treatment. Suffering from serious injuries, rescue workers later flew Leventis by emergency helicopter to a Boston hospital. His brother Andrew suffered minor injuries and was released from Salem Hospital.

Friends and family prayed for a few days while Leventis was hospitalized, and were heart-broken to hear the news last Friday.

"We are devastated," said Leventis's first cousin Stefanie Papanastasiou, adding that the close-knit family is in total shock. Papanastasiou, who lives upstairs in the multi-family home, saw Leventis as more of a brother than a cousin. The teen grew up in the house filled with immediate and extended family that he shared strong connections with.

He was a member of Salem High School's golf team, and the spring and winter track teams. Teachers enjoyed his presence in class, and commented on his contributions to class discussions.

SHS was opened up last Saturday to teachers and students to talk and grieve. "The entire school community has come together and shown tremendous support to the family of Zack and to each other," said Principal David Angeramo.

Like everyone else who know Leventis, Angeramo said the 18-year-old was always positive and upbeat. "He was an outstanding kid. Well-liked, great sense of humor," he said. "He is somebody who will be sorely missed."

Counseling has been offered to students and faculty, and will be available through the end of the week. For many, said Angeramo, it helps to come to school and follow the usual routine.

"We are providing support to our students in need," said Superintendent Dr. Lawrence Callahan. "It's a real difficult time for the students."