Family: Teen shot while protecting friend at Jacksonville Walmart

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Friends gathered for a vigil for a 19-year-old who died after he was shot in the face at a Jacksonville Walmart.

Peter Perez-Corona would have been 20 years old Saturday. He was shot at the Walmart near Regency on Tuesday night during an apparent drug deal, police said.

Friends and family said Perez-Corona was shot while protecting his friend Noah Reid.

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"He’s the best person," Reid said "And that comes from hundreds of thousands of souls.”

Sky lanterns filled the sky for Peter Perez-Corona during the vigil.

Friends said he was a dedicated volunteer lifeguard in Jacksonville Beach was in school at Florida State College at Jacksonville.

“Anything he did he put 100 percent into,” said Reid. “He saved two people’s lives, and he didn’t get paid for it as a lifeguard. He’s a hero.”

Police have not announced any arrests in the shooting.

"We’re gonna live for Peter," Reid said. "We’re gonna do right by him, we’re gonna change a lot of people’s lives. He’s definitely a gift from God.”

Anyone who has any information about the shooting is asked to contact the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at 904-630-0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and receive a possible reward up to $3,000 contact Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-TIPS.

Cox Media Group