Vigil Held For Murdered ECU Baseball Player

A community came together Friday night to remember a man whose life touched so many others.

Friday, August 23rd 2013, 10:26 pm

By: News 9


A community came together Friday night to remember a man whose life touched so many others.

Three teens are accused of gunning down East Central University baseball star Chris Lane as he jogged one week ago.

Hundreds of Duncan residents in the small Oklahoma town held Friday's vigil right down the road from where Lane was gunned down. Lane touched hearts in the U.S. and beyond, as tens of thousands of dollars continue to stream into a fund to help Lane's parents bring their son's body back home.

8/23/2013 Related Story: Over $150K Raised For Family Of Australian Athlete Killed In Duncan

People who live in Duncan hope vigils like the one held Friday will begin the healing process.

"Take all of what has happened in our city in the last few days and turn that tragic event into something that will eventually bring glory unto God," said a Duncan Minister at Lane's vigil.

8/22/2013 Related Story: Possible Gang Activity Tied To Murder Of ECU Baseball Player

People who live in Duncan pride themselves as a close knit community with a strong faith. They're relying on that faith to get them through a tragedy that has made news around the world.

"As strong as a community as Duncan is, we can pull it back together," said Duncan resident Billie Butler.

"We've been through a lot this week. The community is hurting, they're looking for answers, they're asking questions," said Duncan Mayor, Gene Brown.  

The biggest question on everyone's mind is why. Three teenagers are accused of randomly shooting and killing Lane because they were "bored."

"It's hard to believe really. It's hard to believe," said Duncan resident Estella Sanchez.

"I've struggled with asking why. What could we have done different. What could have prevented this tragedy," said Mayor Brown. "The community is hurting. We're hurting and shocked."  

Gofundme.com has collected more than $150,000 for Christopher Lane's family. That's well beyond the $15,000 goal. A private memorial service is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at Oklahoma Christian in Edmond.

8/22/2013 Related Story: Baseball Player's Body En Route To Australia, Service Planned In Oklahoma

8/21/2013 Related Story: Thousands Donated To Support Family Of Slain Aussie Baseball Player

8/19/2013 Related Story: Police: ECU Baseball Player, Australian Native Target Of Random Killing

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News 9 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

August 23rd, 2013

March 22nd, 2024

March 14th, 2024

February 9th, 2024

Top Headlines

April 26th, 2024

April 26th, 2024

April 26th, 2024

April 26th, 2024