JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Dozens gathered Monday night to remember a University of North Florida student found dead in a local retention pond.
Balloons covered with special written messages and memories floated to the sky for George Louissaint Jr.
“He was just a dear nice young man,” UNF staff member Angela Simmons said.
“A people person, nobody disliked George,” freshman Miranda Levo said.
Levo worked with Louissaint at a local movie theater.
“He was a great guy, he taught me the ropes,” Levo said.
Levo said she last saw the 20-year-old the night before he went missing last weekend.
For nearly a week, crews launched a massive search to find Louissaint after he left a party Feb. 12 and reportedly threatened to harm himself.
On Saturday, police recovered Louissaint’s body after a woman walking her dog found him in a retention pond near his apartment complex near Beach and Kernan boulevards.
Astrid Scott reflected and remembered Louissaint at the vigil.
“Seeing the support, how loved, how much power we have together is awesome. He did that,” Scott said.
Louissaint’s family took to social media earlier Monday. They shared funeral arrangements are set for this Friday in Jacksonville.
Vigil set up happening. Begins at 630 at UNF student union. pic.twitter.com/I1IAMlcaPs
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) February 20, 2017
Balloon message me will be released tonight at unf vigil. pic.twitter.com/ZGb0s3Vanb
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) February 20, 2017
Candles and tissues are on standby at vigil for UNF student pic.twitter.com/k3J93wUYny
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) February 20, 2017
Vigil filling up for Unf student found dead in a local retention pond. I'm live at 6:30 pic.twitter.com/DAeYiggiHm
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) February 20, 2017
"I don't know what to say,"- friend of UNF student found dead in local retention pond. pic.twitter.com/Wdn6WrsFGe
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) February 20, 2017
Vigil has begun. Candles are lit. pic.twitter.com/vyDrlqo43y
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) February 20, 2017
Sea of candlelight at UNF right now. pic.twitter.com/1MXNSPPBGO
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) February 20, 2017
Balloons released right after friends say "we love you George." pic.twitter.com/QeKlzCQAuj
— Cole Heath (@ColeHeathMSP) February 21, 2017
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