Hundreds gathered to pay their respects Saturday to an Iraq war vet from Elmsford who died in a car crash.

Just days shy of his 26th birthday, Ricardo DaCosta was killed Tuesday night when he lost control of his car on Route 9A in Elmsord. Mourners offered their condolences as they passed the flag-draped coffin at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church; the church and school DaCosta attended as a boy and a place that was very special to him. Although he was not killed in combat, DaCosta received full military honors for his service to the country.

The community of Elmsford was in shock and disbelief at losing one of their own who returned safely home from Iraq and died just two miles from the safety of his home.