CHARLOTTE, N.C. (FOX 46 CHARLOTTE) — A prayer vigil was held on Wednesday for one of the UNC Charlotte students killed in a shooting.
It was a private service inside Matthews Presbyterian Church for 19-year-old Reed Parlier. The pastor who presided over the service says it was meant to give love and support to Parlier’s friends and family.
“I’m sorry, I love you and I’m praying for you,” Matthews Presbyterian Church Pastor Luke Maybry said.
Maybry wanted to provide love and comfort to those attending the service. The UNC Charlotte student gunned down on campus Tuesday.
LINK: Chancellor identifies victims in UNC Charlotte deadly shooting
“I did not know him. I do not know his family, but I have children. I know them and I love them very much and I sympathize with his parents and I’m praying for them and I’m here for them,” Maybry said.
A friend of Parlier’s family tells FOX 46 the family is still in shock and grieving over their loss. At this point, no one in the family is in a position to make a statement or answer any questions related to this tragedy.
Parlier was a 2017 graduate of Central Academy of Technology and Arts in Monroe. The Union County Public Schools superintendent tweeted out Wednesday “hearts across union county public schools are heavy.”
A prayer service was for co-workers of Parlier’s mother. The pastor says she works with a group of speech pathologists in Union County Schools.
“The message I shared was one of hope. I believe God gives us hope and comfort in times of sorrow. Weeping does come in the night and we’re in that night right now, but there’s joy in the morning.”
The pastor says his message to everyone tonight is to go home and hug your kids, enjoy them, and love on them because none of us is promised tomorrow.
- “A hero”: UNCC student killed in shooting tackled suspect, saved lives
- UNCC student, National Guard Medic acts fast to help shooting victim
- UNCC shooting victim expected to walk during graduation
- ‘He is currently under medical supervision’: UNCC shooting victim was a sports writer for Niner
- Motive in UNC Charlotte shooting still unclear, police say
- 22-year-old man charged with killing 2, injuring 4 at UNC Charlotte