‘He gave a lot of love’: Eagle community gathers at vigil for 11-year-old boy

EAGLE, Neb. (KLKN) — Hundreds gathered in Eagle on Monday night for an emotional candlelight vigil in memory of an 11-year-old boy.

Zane VanArsdall died Friday after being in a medically induced coma for days.

The news of his sudden death has rippled through the community.

The boy’s family and friends said the huge turnout for the vigil is a testament to who Zane was.

Though his life was cut short, he made an impact far beyond his years.

SEE ALSO: ‘Today is a little harder’: Eagle Raceway honoring memory of 11-year-old boy

“It means so much to so many people,” said Justin Bond, who knew Zane from the Eagle Raceway. “These are just the people here that he touched, and there are so many more.”

He wants him to be remembered for his big heart.

“He was very well-loved, and he gave a lot of love,” Bond said. “He lived a pretty good life in the little 11 years that he was here, and he will be greatly missed by so many.”

Candles burned brightly for the child, who many described as full of light.

Those in the crowd shared their favorite memories of Zane. They said he was caring, funny and always making others happy.

Most people in attendance wore green for dwarfism awareness. Zane was born with the condition.

And along with the candles, many were holding green glow sticks.

SEE ALSO: ‘The best kid in the world’: Eagle Raceway mourns death of 11-year-old boy

His family said it’s heartwarming to know they have so much support from the community and brings them comfort to know their son was so well-loved.

Jodie Bard, whose grandson was friends with Zane, said while this has been a difficult time, it helps to see such positivity come from a tragedy.

“Keep talking about him; keep sharing memories,” she said. “There’s already been lots of memories on Facebook, and I love seeing them, hearing them. It just brings out the true nature of who he was.”