Hundreds of people gathered at Piper Field Sunday night for a vigil in honor of Marblehead High School senior and football co-captain Owen Coyne, who died Thursday night after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
About 150 of Owen’s teammates, friends and family members formed a tight huddle at midfield. At the center was a simple memorial: Owen’s No. 18 football jersey, surrounded by battery-operated candles and glow sticks.
Coyne’s friend, Max Kane, told the Current what was happening in that huddle.
“We began with some words from Owen’s family, then words from his closest friends. Then, many shared stories of Owen’s kindness, humor and strength. Owen’s mother spoke more on her son’s life and how she wishes us to continue with ours in his memory. We then sang the song we were lucky enough to play on the guitar for him at his bedside before he passed, ‘Say you won’t let go.’ More words were exchanged about Owen’s life and memory, and we concluded with the song ‘Right back where we started from.'”
Kane added: “Owen’s family thanked the community for their love and support, and Owen’s family, friends, classmates and community finished the night talking about the person Owen was in life and how we will carry him on forever. “
For nearly an hour, a crowd lined the field in silence, offering its presence and support. Coyne’s funeral is scheduled for Thursday.
Read his obituary HERE.
