Tyler Goodrich’s hometown of Bennet, which once prayed for his return, now mourns his loss

BENNET, Neb. (KLKN) – A memorial for Tyler Goodrich was set up Monday at 120th Street and Saltillo Road near his hometown of Bennet.

Locals felt mixed emotions once they heard the news that a body found in Lincoln was identified as Goodrich.

“I’m sure that the majority of the community would’ve moved mountains to try and find him,” said the Rev. Darin Corder, pastor of Bennet Community Church, where Goodrich attended as a child.

SEE ALSO: Officials identify body found in southwest Lincoln as Tyler Goodrich

His family and friends said they never gave up, organizing searches and hoping he would be found alive.

Posters were hung in shop windows; they’ve now been taken down, or the word “Missing” replaced with “Found.”

His name was spoken in several Sunday church services.

Now, instead of prayers for his return, there are prayers for his peace.

“He was a caring and he was a compassionate person,” Corder said. “That’s why there’s been so many people that have been invested, interested and caring in this because that’s who he was.”

SEE ALSO: Authorities find body near home of missing man Tyler Goodrich

Corder said Goodrich wasn’t just missing; he was also missed.

Now, even with closure, the absence feels heavier, and Corder said prayers for healing matter now more than ever.

“We’re not going to stop,” he said. “We said that from the very beginning.”

SEE ALSO: Full Tyler Goodrich coverage