Close friends of a Fairport teen killed in a car crash on the New York State Thruway Tuesday are mourning the loss of a person they say had a bright future.

Troopers said Carlston was traveling eastbound on I-90 at a high rate of speed when he lost control of his 2001 Hyundai in the Seneca County town of Tyre. He suffered serious head and internal injuries.

Troopers said Carlston’s car rolled over several times, ejecting him. He was not wearing a seatbelt.

"He wouldn't want us to be crying. Even though it happens naturally, we're trying to, you know, tell the stories we know about Richie rather than being too sad for too long," said Joe Leverone, Richie's friend.

Several of his friends returned to Angel Hill at Fairport High School Thursday night to share their memories of their friend, including Justin Wolfe, 19, who survived the crash that claimed Carlston's life.

"There's just so many memories that I have of him, just from playing hockey and just school and just absolutely everything. He's just such a big part of my life. Now that I think about it, everything I do, I just, everything reminds me of it. Just from work, to hobbies that I have, just everything," Wolfe said.

"It's sad to see one of our own pass, but he's always gonna be with us in our memories and always put smiles on our faces," Leverone added.

"RC" spells out his initials in a memorial that sits on Angel Hill at Fairport High School. Carlston graduated from Fairport High School in 2009 and was studying political science at Syracuse University.

He was also an All Greater Rochester hockey goalie and a member of a team that played in the state tournament.

Friends say Carlston was just one of those people that was just so driven and passionate, and bound to succeed in anything he took up.

He will be laid to rest at a private funeral service on Tuesday.

The Fairport School District is offering crisis counseling to students and community members dealing with Carlston's death. The counseling committee urges parents to let their kids know that there is someone to talk to.

In a statement released Thursday, Principal Chris Salinas said:

"The strength of Fairport is in its caring for others in times of grief and difficulty. You are Fairport, and I know you will reach out and support Richie's family today and in the days ahead."