'Such a senseless act:' Slain Calgary Stampeder Mylan Hicks remembered in vigil at McMahon Stadium
Calgary Stampeders fans showed their support for the team's tragic loss Wednesday night with a vigil for Mylan Hicks, the 23-year-old defensive back who was shot to death last weekend outside the Marquee nightclub in the city's southwest.
"It's just so painful, even as a fan, so I can't imagine what his family and the team is going through right now," said fan Aubri Webster. "It hurts. It is so shocking to hear that this happens in Calgary … it was such a senseless act."
As many as 150 people gathered in the parking lot of McMahon Stadium to light candles in his memory.
"We're here to honour Hicks," said Jonathan Bernard. "He was a great, young athlete …he had a great, bright future here and it's very unfortunate what happened."
Among the players at the vigil was quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and defensive lineman Josh Francis.
Francis said he collapsed when he heard the news of Hicks's death and the community's support has helped the team dig deep and come together.
"It's a tragedy when a young man's life gets taken away for no reason," Francis said. "He was really good to be around. I just remember his sweet spirit and the way he played the game."
- AUDIO | Slain Stampeder Mylan Hicks's mother had been thrilled when he left Detroit for 'safer place'
A second, private memorial will be held Thursday for the team and Hicks's parents, who arrived in Calgary from Detroit on Wednesday. Head coach Dave Dickenson said the Stampeders team and management looked forward to meeting them.
"The guys are gonna try to reach out. Hopefully we kinda connect with the parents, and there's some good stories and memories that we can share."
'It doesn't feel normal yet'
The team is still struggling to come to terms with the death of their teammate, Dickenson said.
"We're working through it. It's not easy," he said.
"I'm working hard to be the guy that they hopefully can lean on a little bit. Certainly, it doesn't feel normal yet."
He said resources are available to the athletes who may need grief counselling during this difficult time.
"I believe that the guys understand that we care about them, and that we will help them. We have to make sure that we're doing our best. They have to make sure that if they need some help, they come to us," he said.
"I hope the guys understand that there's no guarantees in life. Just give it your best. Give me your best, and we'll see how it plays out," he said.
Nelson Lugela, 19, was charged Monday with second-degree murder in Hicks's death.
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