WINDER, Ga. — The community is coming together in the face of tragedy, hoping to give one another support after losing four lives in a shooting at Apalachee High School on Wednesday.
On Friday night, they searched for 'Light in the Darkness' during a vigil at Jug Tavern Park. Hundreds came out to grieve and support one another while honoring Richard "Ricky" Aspinwall, 39, Cristina Irimie, 53, Mason Schermerhorn, 14 and Christian Angulo, 14.
"We have to stay Barrow strong. Our hearts may be broken, but our resolve to push on remains strong," Winder Mayor Jimmy Terrell said.
Terrell led everyone through the vigil with his messages of love and strength. Four candlelights were lit as the names of the lives lost were read. Each of their impacts was shared with everyone present.
Christian Angulo's family sat together in front of the growing memorial on stage at the park. They held one another as everyone spoke. Christian's dad, Ismael, and mom, Emma, thanked the community with his siblings through a letter read to the crowd.
"He was taken too soon from us, and we are so devastated. We thank everyone for their prayers during this time," the letter read.
The Angulo family also announced they were planning the details of his funeral and looked forward to sharing the dates they'd honor him. Everyone in the community is invited to celebrate his life.
Vigil for victims of Apalachee High School shooting
11Alive spoke to Emma Angulo at her home Thursday. She expressed how heartbroken the family was after his loss, saying his 15-year-old sister, who's in 10th grade, was also at the school when the shooting happened.
United States Senator Raphael Warnock and Congressman Mike Collins both gave their condolences to the family after delivering remarks.
In his own remarks and through tears, the Barrow County School System Superintendent promised everyone that he and his staff would be there to support the community.
"As we work together to find that path forward, I just want you to know that we are going to do it together," Superintendent Dallas LeDuff said.
While many kids say they're still scared to go back to school, the district announced that classes would resume on Tuesday, September 9, promising increased security and support for all students and staff.
"This last week has been an incredibly difficult time for all of us. We are still grieving, but at the same time, we must try our best to navigate this uncharted journey ahead together. Please know your trust and your children's safety remain at the heart of everything we do. School will resume for all students, except for those at Apalachee High School, on Tuesday, Sep. 10. We believe we need to be together as soon as possible to move forward and to provide some sense of familiarity for our students," LeDuff said.
Apalachee High School will remain closed, and a message with information about returning will be sent to its families separately.
"We know these are challenging times, and we are here for you. We will have extra support and security, including more law enforcement, at each of our schools," LeDuff said.
Georgia Emergency Management is also setting up a Community Recovery Center at the Barrow Leisure Services Center (175 2nd St.) to offer you free resources and mental health services.
- Monday, Sept. 9: Noon-5 pm.
- Tuesday, Sept. 10 through Friday, Sept. 13: 9 am-5 pm.