TOWN OF BURLINGTON - Their worlds collided on Browns Lake, and Friday lake residents and members of Darieus Nelson’s family gathered on the beach to remember the 14-year-old who died here Tuesday.
"It just touched everyone in a certain way," said Cheryl Strockis, who lives near the lake. "And we just want to be here for the family."
Dozens of people held candles and flowers, as they prayed and listened to tributes to the 14-year-old. Darieus’ family says they were grateful for the kindness of people who lived out here during the two day search for the teen’s body.
"There were residents that were coming out of their condos, they were bringing out soft drinks and food for the family, just reaching out, just the kindness of strangers. And it’s really good to see that," said Pastor Robert Angel, the Nelson family's pastor.
Residents like Tom Conrardy said he wouldn’t miss Friday night’s vigil. He was on the lake the day Darieus drowned: "We knew there was a tragedy on the lake and some of us went out on our boats to help with any attempted rescue."
Everyone here was moved by what happened Tuesday. And as they placed flowers on the water in memory of Darieus, they prayed nothing like this would ever happen here again."
"Just being from this area for so long we’ve never really had an incident like this happen and we all have children," said Strockis.
Darieus Nelson's funeral will be held next Thursday morning.
