NewsCovering Kentucky

Actions

Shooting Victim Remembered With Balloon Release

Posted at 10:32 PM, Mar 30, 2019
and last updated 2019-03-30 23:21:25-04

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) – A family coping with the loss of their loved one gathered on Saturday night to remember him with a balloon release.

33 year-old Adrian Sturgis was shot last Sunday on Race Street in Lexington, and died a few days later.

“I just want my brother to fly high. I just basically wanted to release him to where he was already going to,” Latoya Sturgis, Adrian’s sister.

The balloon release is his family’s way of letting him go

“To lose him, that healing is going to take a long time,” said Latoya.

The athering of the victim’s closest family and friends is a start to that healing process.

Sturgis is survived by four young kids, as well as several siblings, cousins, and nieces and nephews

“He was amazing. He loved his kids. He will always love and support his kids. He always put family first. He was just so loving and supportive,” said Letoya Williams, his niece.

The alleged shooter, Mykel Smith, is charged with murder. Smith’s arrest has come as some relief for the family, but his niece is preparing to honor him at her graduation.

“When I walk across the stage at graduation at Bryan Station High School with him on top of my head, that will be my closure that he will be there walking with me and I will be ready to walk with him,” said Williams.

The family is raising money for funeral costs. If you’re interested in learning more, here’s a link.