Vigil Held For High School Football Prospect Killed In Miami Gardens Shooting
MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) - While fallen heroes on the battlefield were remembered at ceremonies all over South Florida Monday, Memorial Day took on a different meaning in Miami Gardens.
Hundreds gathered at Carol City Park to remember the short life of 17-year-old Joshua Ancrum.
Ancrum, a rising high school football star, was killed at a friend's home last week.
His mother said he was shot during a dispute over a video game.
A 16-year-old was arrested and charged with aggravated manslaughter.
His heartbroken mother says she thinks of her son every moment of every day.
"It's been overwhelming. Some nights are better than others but the pain will never go away," said Lisa Alvarez.
Ancrum had college scholarship offers and impressed his coaches and teammates on his local travel team.
"All the kids loved him. He played with heart," said team organizer Brett Goetz.
Teammate Derek Wingo said he will remember Ancrum's humor and drive on the field.
"It definitely makes you want to work harder," he said.
Lisa Alvarez says the community support she has received is helping her heal.
"He was my reason to breathe," she said. "I know he would want me to take care of his brothers and sisters and that's what I'm going to do."
A viewing will be held at Antioch Church on Friday and Ancrum will be laid to rest Saturday.
The South Florida Express had set up a GoFundMe page to help the family pay for funeral expenses.
