Family and friends are mourning the loss of four members of a musical family who died in a car crash in India last month while on a religious pilgrimage.

Raju Soundararajan, 64, his wife Jayanthi, 41, and daughters Priya, 16, and Lakshmi, 14, died July 13 (photo below).

"It's just horrific. The whole thing what happened. I still can't get it through my head that they're gone," neighbor Jean Garris said.

"She loved to dance, she loved to write. There never seemed enough time or enough paper for her to express her ideas."

Two other family members were hurt: Sai Ram, 12, was hospitalized in a coma after the crash but has since recovered enough to come home; his 19-year-old brother Pavan was hospitalized for three days.

From left to right: Priya, Lakshmi, Jayanthi, Raju

Sai Ram is autistic; Pavan has cerebral palsy.

Outside the family's Germantown home, there are signs of their Pavan's disability. A ramp helps him navigate his wheelchair.

Their sisters, 14-year-old Lakshmi and 17-year-old Priya attended Clarksburg High School; both were honors students.

"They were bright, energetic young ladies and they will leave a tremendous void here," said principal James Koutsos. "As we move forward.. we will miss them terribly."

Raju, the patriarch of the family, spent thirty years with the Montgomery County (web|news) Public School system -- the last ten at the Shady Grove Bus depot where he worked as a fuel assistant.

"He was a very respectful man and humble," said Sharon Bishop, a colleague of Raju's. "He always had a little story to tell you. And we will miss him greatly."

Only one family member, Padma, didn't make the trip. She now plans to care for her disabled brothers.

The community has set up a find to help the family.

Pavan and Sai Ram Soundararajan Fund
C/O: Sun Trust Bank
9812 Falls Rd
Potomac, MD 20854