RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR)--Hundreds gathered at Forest Hill Park to remember the life of 18- year-old Huguenot High School student Antonio Shands.
The traffic accident that took Shands’ life last Friday weighs heavy on everyone at the vigil.
"Just remember him. How he used to make you laugh. He was just a total comedian,” said Katrin Trimiew, Shands’ mother. “Just a total comedian."
Shands’ constant smile was a symbol of his personality to his family, and to those that knew him well, they'll never forget all the times he made them laugh.
"He was one of the best we've had at Huguenot High School,” said Tyron Lyles, Huguenot High School’s principal.
Shands was set to graduate next week. Lyles said Antonio loved his school and his classmates, every day he stepped through the door.
“He got to the point of graduation, and we're still proud of him. I just look at him and say ‘thank you’ for all his hard work and I'm also very proud of what he's done,” Lyles said.
“You will always be with us. Everywhere, every day, every step that we make,” said Trimiew.
Shands’ funeral is tomorrow at noon.
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