Loved ones gathered at the scene of the accident to host candle light vigil in remembrance of 21-year-old Markeal Dickey.
Just 48 hours since the car crash that took Markeal Dickey’s life, the sounds of tears and sobs surrounded the scene of the accident once again at a candle light vigil held Sunday night.
Within the crowd were old friends, classmates and family members of Dickey who came to pay their respects and join together in unity on the 1900 block of Portland Street.
"It still hasn't hit me…I just spoke to him. I just want all the pain I feel to go away. But I know that comes with time and I also know Markeal is in a better place,” said Lexie Newton, Dickey’s former classmate. “The vigil was a great way for everyone to show how much he meant to them. He touched many people's lives and it showed last night,” she continued.
The last-minute vigil drew a huge turnout. Loved ones unable to attend the program, such as Dickey’s former classmate, Taylor Harris, chose to FaceTime a friend who attended the vigil so that she, too, could be a part of honoring Dickey’s memory.
“Markeal was not only one of the first people I met in Tallahassee, but he was one of the first people I collaborated with to begin chasing some of my college dreams…I'm honored and blessed to have known him. The vigil was touching and calming at the same time, but I also know that this is only the brink of the pain to follow,” said Harris.
Founder of Distinguished Young Gentleman (DYG) Inc., Ramon Alexander, facilitated the vigil and moderated a program that included three musical selections and several reflections from Dickey’s peers.
Dickey was an active member and former president of DYG. Past and present DYG members showed up in masses to pay their respects and remember the life of a brother, mentor and friend. Within the circle of support were members of the Tallahassee Boys Choir; another organization Dickey was a member of for several years. Just 48 hours since the car crash that took Markeal Dickey’s life, the sounds of tears and sobs surrounded the scene of the accident once again at a candle light vigil held Sunday night.
Within the crowd were old friends, classmates and family members of Dickey who came to pay their respects and join together in unity on the 1900 block of Portland Street.
“He showed me so much about what it meant to be a brother. As so many others have said, Markeal always wore a smile on his face, and he made it his mission to make sure you did the same. He was a brother, mentor, and lifesaver to many in his short time here on earth and it pains me to see a flame as bright as his burn out so soon,” said Gregory Hall, Dickey’s DYG brother.
At the closing of the vigil ceremony, each of Dickey’s loved ones held a burning candle to represent his life. At the end of a prayer, each candle was blown out and placed at the stump of the tree where Dickey lost his life.