WINTHROP, Maine — In the wake of a tragic event that shook the state, the community has come together to pay tribute to two of Wednesday's victims who were beloved members of their tight-knit community.
A special vigil happened at Winthrop High School, serving as a poignant moment of remembrance and the beginning of the healing process.
One of the victims, Aaron Young, was a freshman at the high school, and the event is taking on a unique form to reflect the personalities and passions of the father and son, Bill and Aaron Young.
Winthrop is a close-knit community where everyone knows their neighbors, and the impact of the tragedy runs deep.
The vigil wasn't just about remembering one student and a father, it was about coming together as neighbors, friends, and family to support one another during this trying time.
"It's felt a little deeper because everyone knows everyone. All of a sudden, it's not just one student and a father. It's an uncle, a stepfather, a neighbor -- and because of that, the wounds are pretty deep. We know that we are going to get through this together," Alexis Deasciulias, the dean of students at Winthrop High School, shared.
The Young family has requested the school incorporate some of Bill and Aaron's favorite things into the event, such as songs, classic Chevy cars, and even student-written cards to Aaron, which will be on display during the vigil.
"It felt better than I thought it would, to be honest. Just to see the community wrap my sister-in-law and my niece in love shows there is good in the midst of all the sadness and the terror that happened a week ago. There is good," Wendy Bell, Bill's sister and Aaron's aunt, said.
In addition to the vigil, the school has provided therapy dogs to students throughout the week to help them cope with the loss of their fellow student, Aaron.
This effort underscores the community's commitment to support one another as they navigate their grief.
Their services are being held together at Hope Baptist Church in Manchester Maine. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10, and funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. the same day.