SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — A heartbroken east Valley community held a vigil Thursday night to remember Preston Lord, the teen killed at a Halloween party in Queen Creek.
It was a somber night at Combs High School as hundreds of community members, friends and family gathered around the school's candlelit courtyard, listening to family and friends of Lord reflect on his life and legacy.
He was described as a positive light in the community.
“I feel like I’m missing a part of myself," said friend Andrew Vasquez.
“Preston was one of the happiest souls I’ve ever met," said friend Andres Zavala.
“I miss you Preston. I hope you know how much I’m thankful for you," said friend Merrick Bowles.
One mother read a letter on behalf of her son, Fabian Moreno, who was Lord's friend. She fought back tears.
“I lost my father. But this type of pain hurts. To see my son go through this hurts," she said.
Lord was a junior and just 16 years old when he was assaulted at a Halloween party in Queen Creek on October 28th. He died from his injuries two days later.
Queen Creek PD said 100 to 200 people were at the party and they have received dozens of tips. Still, no arrests have been made.
"His enthusiasm and genuine kindness made him a beloved figure in our school community," said student Brooklyn Lowe.
In addition to serving on the student council, Lord was on the golf and basketball teams. His teammates remembered one of their own.
“I don’t think there was a time I went with him that I wasn’t smiling and laughing. I’m so lucky I had him as my teammate and even better, as a friend," said golf teammate Dylan Shuman.
“He was such a positive teammate. He really was a light. This light always shined through Preston with anything he did," said basketball teammate Logan Tuckfield.
The final speakers of the night were Lord's relatives.
“That’s what breaks my heart is I thought we would have more time," said Lord's uncle.
They left the heartbroken community with a message of love.
“Be good to each other and love each other. Life is so fragile and it can change in a moment," said Lord's relative.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist Lord's family during this difficult time.
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