Canton Man Dies in Ohio Car Crash Hours After His Wedding

One friend who describes 21-year-old Jordan Costa as the happiest man in the world on Saturday is now reeling from the news that his buddy is now dead less than 24 hours after his nuptials. 

A car crash on Sunday on Interstate 77, in Jefferson Township, Ohio took the life of the Canton man and injured his new bride, Heather Favazza-Costa, 21, who was taken to the hospital, but is now listed in stable condition.

The newlyweds were heading south for their honeymoon, according to WDIV Channel 4. 

According to media reports, the Ohio Highway Patrol said Costa's 2002 Ford Escape was traveling southbound when he lost control in the left lane. The car went into the median and struck an embankment. It rolled several times as it crossed both northbound lanes.

The couple, who were both involved as youth program leaders at Canton Connection Church, were married there on Saturday. 

In an e-letter to the church community, Pastor Rocky Barra said he officiated over the couples' wedding and said Costa "was definitely a handsome groom."

"Our heart is broken for Heather, and the entire Favazza family," Barra wrote. "Sue, Heather's mother, is our young life director, and George is a huge part of our worship team. I'm sharing this so you can pray for Heather and the Favazzas that somehow our Lord will surround them with His presence and comfort. Please hold them up to the Lord in this very difficult time in their lives."

Joshua Wayt, a friend of Costa's, posted a blog about the tragic accident Sunday. 

"Yesterday I left work early to attend his wedding," Wayt wrote. "I was happy to see Heather and Jordan smile as the wedding they worked so hard to plan came into fruition. And as I left their reception, I hugged Jordan and told him I was happy for him.

"This morning, I heard the news that he and his new wife were in a tragic car accident ... words cannot describe the feeling of losing a friend," Wayt wrote. "Especially a friend who was the happiest man in the world 24 hours ago. Anyone who knew Jordan knew that he loved Jesus; they knew he loved Heather, and they knew he loved youth ministry. The reality hasn't quite sunk in yet, and I don’t know if it ever will."