LEXINGTON, KY (Lex 18) – Friends and family members of a 23-year-old, who police say was shot and killed by his dad on Father’s Day, gathered for a balloon release in his memory.
Dozens filled Lexington’s Castlewood park Tuesday night to honor and remember Austin Hendron. The crowd was full of family members, former football teammates, and friends from over the years.
"He should be here," said Hendron’s mother Tracy Curtsinger. "He should be here with all of us and he’s not, and that’s the hardest part right now."
Lexington Police say James Hendron Jr. shot and killed Austin after an argument in the driveway Sunday. Austin’s father spent the rest of Father’s Day in jail, charged with murder and domestic violence.
"We don’t know why, and I think that’s the answer that not only she and I are looking for, but his brothers, his family, his friends," said Tim Curtsinger, Hendron’s step-father of 19 years.
Hendron’s family says hen was charismatic, kind, and passionate about everything he did. In high school he was a star football player, and recently he hoped to pursue a career in rap music.
"If he did something, he was going to go full-steam, to the best of his abilities," said Tim Curstinger.
Friends did their best to stay positive at the gathering, releasing balloons with handwritten messages. His former teammates also gathered to pray together.
"I want people to remember him as, ‘I’m glad I met that guy,’" said Hendron’s step-father. "That’s what I want people to remember."
Funeral services for Hendron will be held at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Friday at noon.
