DELMAR - Hundreds came together for a heartfelt vigil to mourn, remember, and reflect on the life of Delmar High School student Carter Figgs. The evening vigil featured a bonfire tribute, which began at 6 PM. Carter's family lit the flame, and organizers say they hope it will burn for days in reflection of the young man's life.
Doug Marshall, one of the event's organizers, says the Delmar community always comes together to support one another during times of need.
“The nature of the accident, how it touches every single person, when you take the life or lose the life of a young person who hasn’t even lived yet – it touches a lot of heart strings. As you can see tonight – so many people came because of that.”
The vigil brought together dozens of speakers, including coaches, teammates, politicians, friends, and Carter's mother.
They shared memories of a young man filled with laughter, passion, and a love for sports - including Football and Wrestling.
Carter's football teammates spoke to WBOC of a friend, who they say was more like a brother, who was taken from them too soon:
“Watching him grow up and see him gone like that. It hurts you.”
“Just because he’s not blood doesn’t mean he’s not family.”
“Ever since we we’re young, we’re all been a family – and I feel like Carter is one of the people who kept our family together.”
"Genetics don't make you brothers, skin color doesn't make you brothers, it's all like what's inside your heart. It's just a bond that you couldn't imagine. This was just so unexpected."
The vigil went into the night as 'amazing grace' played -- and a sea of lights took over the Delmar field.
One phrase echoed - "Forever 32" - Figgs football number.