Brevard community mourns death of 3 surfers

A deadly accident in Nicaragua claimed the lives of three young men from Brevard County. Now the community is coming together to remember them and help their families through the long and difficult grieving process.

A special benefit concert is planned for later this week. 
 
Michael Oliveri, 23, and his best friend Patrick van Vonno, and Brevard County native Keith Kenton died on Aug. 19 in  a car crash while on their way to the airport after finishing a surfing trip.

Two other men survived the car accident and suffered serious injuries.

Pat and Mike knew each other almost their entire life, from elementary school until their years at UCF. They grew up in Melbourne Beach and loved the outdoors, surfing, and watching their favorite sports teams.

"Lived it as full as he could, everything all the way until the end, he played every game hard, went on every surf trip, dropped in on the biggest wave, he did everything until to the fullest, I know it's a cliche, but I think it's what everyone would say about him," said Paul Oliveri, brother of Michael.

People in the Melbourne Beach community were shocked to learn of the tragedy.

Friends have organized a benefit concert at the Mainstreet Pub in Melbourne Wednesday Sept. 8. Money raised will go towards funeral expenses and other cost related to the fatal accident.