Wetumpka High honors teen with vigil

WETUMPKA, Ala. (WALA) - Hundreds of friends and family members gathered in Wetumpka, Ala. for a candlelight vigil, in memory of the 18-year-old South Alabama freshman and former Wetumpka High School wrestling star Gilbert Collar.

Collar was shot and killed by a USA police officer over the weekend. According to officials, Collar was acting erratically and charged at him numerous times in the nude.

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Many who have known the teen since childhood said Collar was loved and admired by his classmates and wanted others to know that he was a genuinely great kid.

The memorial service began outside the high school at 6 p.m. and entertained speeches from friends, teachers, and Collar’s longtime wrestling coach, Jeff Glass.

“If heaven is all it’s said to be, it has wrestling mats,” said Coach Glass. “And Gilbert, your coach tells you it's ok to lay down on that mat up there.”

 Collar’s former wrestling teammates were visibly moved by the ceremony. Many said they’re brotherhood has been greatly impacted by this tragedy.

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 The group brought a homemade blanket, which they wrapped around Collar’s parents and sister, to symbolize their unity and commitment to the family.

 Many of them also spoke at the vigil.

 “Even if he barely knew you, he treated you like he was your best friend,” said Mark Mathis, who is still wrestling at Watumpka High. “Even if you didn't like him, he was always going to love you no matter what. He always had that Christian like aura about him.”

Friends sported the picture of a duck on their clothes in memory of the teen.

Some said Gilbert Collar was nicknamed Murder Bird, which began after the teen wore his ‘lucky shirt,’ which had the picture of a yellow duck on it.

Many who attended the vigil said they still have many questions, specifically ‘why’ things ended so tragically.