Gerst Roth Funeral Home

For Fischer, Herrera’s motivated but fun-loving personality was an inspiration, something that drove him to press on toward a marketing degree through Davenport University, friends said.And Herrera found in Fischer a sense of support and encouragement. “He loved unconditionally and picked her up when she was down,” said Elizabeth Downing, a friend of Herrera’s who considered her a sister. “He loved her so much.” Friends of the couple say the two were nearly inseparable after they began dating in May. Herrera, 20, of Lowell and Fischer, 23 of Caledonia died together Thursday night, Oct. 10 in a three-vehicle crash in Cascade Township that police allege was caused by a drunken driver. Police say Joseph Jay Ford, 27, of Kentwood, ran a red light while driving north on Patterson Road. He collided around 10 p.m. with a vehicle being driven by Fischer on 36th Street, causing fatal injuries to the young couple when their car was pushed into a semi-truck.Related:Kentwood man admits to drinking before double-fatal crash, court records showBoth Herrera and Fischer were going to school, he, for marketing, and she, for graphic design. Herrera had an eye for all things art and could take photos that left friends amazed. Downing, 19, recalled photos Herrera had recently taken of an old barn and fence. The structures themselves were not especially appealing, but the images Herrera captured brought them to life, pulled out their best qualities.She had a way of doing that, Downing said — both through her artistic endeavors and her innate sense of understanding that brought hope and joy to those around her. “She always gave me the best advice, knew what to say,” Downing said. Herrera took the time to do that and cared enough to offer her support. Downing recalled a photo taken of the two under a decorative arch at a Lowell High School prom. It was Herrera’s senior year and Downing was a junior. They laughed later, jokingly calling the image their “wedding photo.” Downing pulled it out Saturday night as she unfolded the years in her memory. Tears blended with strai... (The Grand Rapids Press - MLive.com)