Tyrek Hill, 25, was killed in a mass shooting in downtown Orlando last Friday. On Wednesday evening, more than 50 of his friends, family, and coworkers met at a park in Clermont to honor his life.
Hill says people will remember him for his sense of fun, friendliness, and great smile.
His job was at Car Store Towing, and many of his coworkers came to the gathering. Hill’s mother, Teresa Clinton, found it especially moving.
“His smile could make your day better if you were sad,” said another person who was sad. “Tyrek Hill had a loving heart, was very funny, and was very humble.”
Clinton thanked everyone for their support and said it helps him deal with his loss.
“So many lives were changed by him, and I did not even know all the nice things people said about my son,” she said. “The videos they send me are what I need to get through this.”
The group collected around a projector screen showing pictures of Hill. Each picture was a special memory meant to bring comfort to his family.
People cried and even laughed as they told stories about Hill.
Someone said, “Tyrek was one of a kind.” “He was clean, and he was a humble young man. One thing that made me laugh was when he said “yes, ma’am,” and I thought, ‘Man, I am in my 30s!'”
Hill was one of two people killed in a shooting in downtown Orlando on Halloween night. Eight other people were hurt.
They caught 17-year-old Jaylen Edgar after he opened fire in a crowd and is now charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder.
Hillary was shocked by the news.
She said, “I was home when a friend called.” “She told me Tyrek had been shot, and I asked, ‘I know he has been shot, but is he still alive?’”
Clinton got in his car and drove to the hospital.
“As I got closer to ORMC, someone who was with him called me and said, ‘Mama, I think he is dead.'”
When the vigil was over, Hill’s coworkers showed their support with a touching homage.
Ten tow trucks drove out of the park at the same time, honking their horns to honor Hill.
One friend said, “We are going to carry on his work.”
