A community grieves as a tragic car accident claims the life of not one, but two people. Among the two who were killed was a former star athlete at Crete High School.

As a 2007 graduate of Crete High School, 19-year-old Nathan Paulsen left behind a legacy as a star athlete. But for the people who knew him, he was much more.

"His smile, he always just -- he always just put a smile on your face. He made you happy. He's just a great kid. I'm going to miss him. Everyone is going to miss him," said Nick Renn, best friend.

Nathan Paulsen was a friend to some and a teammate to others, but for Nick Renn, his best friend from grade school, he was much more.

"He was like a brother to me. I mean, he was always there we were always hanging out having a good time," Renn said.

Paulsen has a lot of athletic titles and accolades to his name. He was a starting basketball player, 2006 Class B All State honorable mention in football, starting running back and outside line backer to the state championship team. But his former coach will always remember the player behind the titles.

"I know that Nate rushed for over 1000 yards and has a lot of touchdowns his senior year. You know, the stats kinda fade away when I think of Nate. I'm just thinking about the type of player and type of person he was," said Charles McGinnis, football coach.

According to officials, Paulsen was heading westbound on Highway 33 when he crossed the center line and crashed head-on into 50 year-old Man Huynh, who was driving eastbound in his 1998 Toyota 4Runner, according to Lancaster County Sheriff's Office.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene and were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Authorities say alcohol and drugs are not believed to be factors in the crash.

Authorities say Huynh was headed back home to Lincoln after finishing work at Farmland Foods.

Farmland foods released the following statement:

"The employees at the farmland foods plant in Crete, Nebraska were saddened by the news of Man Huynh. Mr. Huynh was a loyal and dedicated employee for many years. He was highly respected by his coworkers. We will miss him and our hearts go out to the family. "

Friends and family of Nathan Paulsen have set up a memorial scholarship fund. You can donate at any Pinnacle Bank by mentioning his name.