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Swen Remembered at Long Reach (VIDEO)

A somber candlelight vigil took place at Long Reach High School on Tuesday to remember Eugene Swen.

 

The Long Reach community stood united on a chilly Tuesday evening to remember one of their own, Eugene Owen Swen, 16, who died on March 31.

About 300 students, faculty and friends attended the candlelit vigil held on the Long Reach High School football field. They huddled together to stay warm and protect each other from the wind as they shared stories about Eugene.

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“I didn’t expect to lose Eugene like this,” said one student. “But he would want us to keep our head high and always stay strong.”

Long Reach High Principle David Burton notified parents of Swen's suicide in a letter on April 10.

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Many students had created shirts with the name Swen and the No, 2 on the back. Swen, a talented sophomore varsity football player who wore No. 2, died March 31 at his Columbia home, according to his friend Brendon Thomas, who helped organize the vigil.

The Long Reach football players came out wearing their jerseys and shared memories of Swen.

“I love that boy like a brother,” said one football player. “And my biggest regret is that I’ll never get to tell him that.”

A Long Reach faculty member said she remembered Swen always greeting her with a smile in the hallway.

“We are all here for you guys no matter what,” said Ms. Ashley. “You’re our children and we care about you guys.”

As the crowd put up their hands, forming the No. 2 with their fingers, two black and purple balloons were released into the cloudless night sky.

Swen’s wake will take place on Friday April 20 from 6-9 p.m. and his funeral is set for April 21 from 9-11 a.m. Both services will be held at Bethany United Methodist Church in Ellicott City.

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