Members of the Auburn and Opelika communities came together in a candlelight vigil of slain Auburn football player Jakell Mitchell at the Lee County Courthouse Square on Dec. 15.
There was a subdued and prayerful mood surrounding the Square's fountain as family, friends, teammates and community members gathered to mourn the death of Jakell Mitchell, who was killed at Tiger Lodge early Dec. 14.
"I lost my best friend," said Mario Mitchell, Jakell's father.
Mario said he was overwhelmed at the turnout for his son.
"I didn't think he had such an impact," Mario said. "I just didn't know he'd done so much."
The crowd sang hymns and prayed for Jakell and his family. Orange, blue, red and black balloons, representing Auburn University and Opelika High School colors were released after the prayer.
Mario said Jakell would have been equally shocked about the crowd.
"He'd say, 'All for me?'" Mario said. "He didn't ever want the attention."
Adrianna Tapscott, who organized the event, called for an end to violence.
"I've been in these shoes before, and I know how it feels to lose a brother and a friend and a cousin to violence," Tapscott said. "It has to be stopped."
Tapscott emphasized the need to come together after tragedy.
"I just felt the need for us all to come together as one and pray," Tapscott said. "I felt like we could uplift each other and be strong for one and other."
Tapscott said prayer was a way to heal as a community.
"Prayer is the answer, and prayer is the way," Tapscott said. "And even through our tears and the things that we go through, we still must have praise and worship towards God."
Mario said his faith was helping him process the loss of his son.
"That's all that's working right now for me -- a whole lot of prayer," Mario said.
Charles Greene, a friend of Mario, said Jakell was a role model in the community.
"He was an inspiration to a lot of children," Greene said.
Pernell Vickerstaff, a senior and basketball player at Opelika High School, was a friend of Jakell.
"He was my brother," Vickerstaff said. "He would always joke with me. He was always laughing."
Erik Speakman, defensive coordinator at Opelika High School, coached Jakell for four years.
"He was a great kid, always had a smile on his face," Speakman said. "Probably the hardest-working kid on the team during his time. Just a great football player, great kid."
Mario said his son stepped up and was a role model in his community and church.
"Jakell, he did whatever necessary," Mario said. "He ushered some when he was young and Jakell would go to schools and talk. He loved church."
Mario spoke to the Auburn football team, urging them to walk away from confrontation.
"When that challenge comes with words, trust me, it ain't just words," Mario said. "Walk away. There's more strength in letting go."
Mario said Jakell going to college close to home always concerned him.
"Staying home for college, it scared me to death," Mario said. "My worst fear came true."
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