South Alabama students hold vigil for Gil Collar

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - - University of South Alabama students said the death of 18-year-old Gil Collar has been the talk around campus.

Colllar was shot and killed last Saturday by a police officer while authorities say he was on LSD.

But Friday night, a group of students and faculty members took a step back to pray for guidance going forward.

Sometimes it takes time to come to grips with a tragedy.

"This could've happened anywhere,” one USA student said.

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Those on campus said this is a tragedy that gripped an entire campus.

USA Sophomore Alexander Reyes said, "Everyone's talking about it. Everyone feels sorry for what happened."

There's a time to mourn and a time to reflect.

The vigil opened with words from Jim Mather.

“A week ago no one expected that Gil would not be alive today,” said Mather.

This is a point that hit home for some students, even bringing some to tears. Freshman Summer Donohoe was one of them.

"Last Friday, I was packing up to go home and he helped me carry stuff out to my car; and that was the last time I saw him. It’s just hard when you don't get to say goodbye," said Donohoe.

The vigil was also a time to share memories of Collar. Freshman Victor Hatchett said they shared a common sport, wrestling.

"We talked about wrestling. I'd show him stuff, and I got to wrestle him one time," said Hatchett.

It was also a time for prayer. The vigil not only drew those who attend and work at USA, also members of the community.

"Everybody's broken hearted. There’s not a single person in this community that's not deeply impacted," said Mather.

Professor Natalie Cochran-Murray was Collar’s English professor and organized the vigil.

"The only way I know how to productively respond to this is to pray,” said Cochran-Murray.

She decided to host the prayer vigil at the Moulton Bell Tower, a universal spot on the USA campus.

She said, "It's certainly not a time for people to protest or be angry in any way. It's just a time for reverent remembrance of Gil, prayer for his family, prayer for our police department, and for the officer."

As a professor, this is tough on Cochran Murray.

Cochran-Murray said, "It’s really hard for me to believe this, accept this situation."

As time inevitably passes by, how should we look back on this?

"He should be remembered as a learning experience,” said Reyes.

Another person said, "Watch what you do. Watch who you're around."

"I don't think he should be remembered negatively,” said a USA freshman.

"That was one brief instance in his life,” said Cochran-Murray.

The Vigil only lasted about 15 minutes, but many hung around after to pray and reflect. Some said they hope Collar’s story will bring awareness to everyone it reaches.

"We have to get past it, and we have to know this shouldn't happen again,” said Cochran-Murray.