JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Dozens of people gathered on Jacksonville’s Northside Friday night for a candlelight vigil honoring 7-year-old Chace Brown.
Chace was found earlier this month in a retention pond after going missing from his home, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. They said no foul play is suspected.
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Candles were lit at the base of a memorial near the pond, with family, friends, and neighbors leaving balloons and stuffed animals — including characters like Elmo, Bluey, and Cookie Monster — to remember the boy teachers and loved ones described as happy and full of energy.
“A little bittersweet ’cause, I mean, they explained Chace perfectly… full of energy. Always smiling… and all he do is give good hugs,” Chace’s father, Lamonte Brown, said after hearing comments from Chace’s teachers during the vigil.
At Friday’s vigil, Brown said he is still trying to work through the loss.
“I believe in God so I feel like that’s helping me during this whole process… but I’m still processing,” he said.
Brown described his son as playful and often quiet until he warmed up to people.
Brown also became emotional when asked what he will remember most about his son.
“The day he was born… when I held him,” he said.
A GoFundMe has been created to help the family with funeral expenses. You can find the link HERE.
The vigil ended with the crowd chanting, “We love you, Chace,” as candles continued to flicker beside the memorial.