Students hold candlelight vigil Sunday night in memory of John Albers
A candlelight vigil was held Sunday night at Sunset Ridge Elementary to honor junior John Albers, who died unexpectedly over the weekend.
January 21, 2018
Students and BVNW staff members mourned in remembrance of junior John Albers tonight at Sunset Ridge Elementary. In a statement sent to BVNW families, principal Amy Murphy said Albers “died unexpectedly over the weekend.”
The Overland Park Police said they are investigating Albers’ death following a police officer involved shooting near 149th and England.
Following the news of his death, students planned a vigil at Sunset Ridge Elementary, where Albers attended elementary school.
While people mourned in the school’s playground, balloons were released, speeches were given, and candles were lit.
Starting a trail of speeches, junior Gabriel Bright said he was a close friend of Albers’ and wants to raise awareness to others about his death.
“I loved him,” Bright said. “I want to raise awareness and make sure everybody knew that this world, this bubble that we live in isn’t always so perfect.”
Bright described Albers as “very caring, very outgoing, very loyal,” and “very, very, very giving.”
Despite not having a relationship with Albers, junior Isabella Wallace attended the vigil.
“It makes me feel worse because I didn’t know him,” Wallace said, “so part of me feels like ‘why do I deserve to be upset about it?’”
School interventionist Megan Geenens said she held a special bond with Albers after teaching him in seventh grade and sophomore AVID.
“John had a heart of gold,” Geenens said. “He loved everyone around him. People should learn from his kindness and carry that on with him as they move forward from this tragic event.”
Albers family released a written statement, via social media.
“We are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved son, John,” the statement read. “We truly appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, family and community. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers and for respecting our privacy during this very difficult time.”
A visitation is scheduled for Friday at McGilley Memorial Chapel at 123rd Street and State Line, with a funeral mass scheduled for afterwards at St. Francis Xavier Church in Kansas City, MO.
Queen B • Jan 23, 2018 at 8:31 pm
Thank you all who worked on this tragic story. I imagine it was a emotional story to research, write and take photos of. You have had to do this twice already this school year. I am sad about that. It just isn’t right. You are all doing a great job and we appreciate your reporting.
Thank you,