DECATUR, Ark. — A candlelight vigil will be held in Decatur tonight after the death of a local high school senior last week.
On March 11, Decatur High School student Barry Mongkeya was shot and killed. The Benton County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) says that while the incident appears to be an accident, the investigation is not yet complete and so the nature of the incident can't be confirmed.
On March 12, reports of Barry's death rocked Decatur. Athletic events were cancelled, and Decatur School District Superintendent Steve Watkins said that counseling was available for grieving students, adding that it was a "tough day" for students processing everything.
"We are trying to keep things as close to normal as possible. We do have counseling available to any of our students and staff that want to use that option. Out of respect for the student and family we have cancelled our athletic events tonight. The high school is planning on wearing blue in honor of our student," Watkins told 5NEWS.
On March 19, Decatur Bulldogs and community members will gather for a candlelight vigil to honor Barry's life.
"If you plan to attend, please bring blue balloons (Barry's favorite color) and white candles to the vigil. We will be lighting the candles at exactly 7:00 pm. The location for the vigil is Edmiston Ballpark, which is Decatur's Home Baseball Field. We are looking forward to seeing those who can make it, and if you cannot come, please continue to keep Barry's loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. They are greatly appreciated," Decatur High School said on Facebook.
A GoFundMe has been started for Barry's family. "If it’s on your heart to do so please consider donating or sharing the link," Decatur High School said.
The link to the GoFundMe can be found here.
BCSO says that the report for this incident has not yet been completed.
5NEWS will update this article as more information becomes available.
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