The Rock Hill community continues to mourn the loss of the six individuals killed as a result of the mass shooting on April 7. A vigil was held on Sunday, April 11 at Fountain Park in downtown Rock Hill. The Lesslie family made the vigil open to the public and issued a statement to The Herald that read, “Members of the Lesslie Family and close friends have organized the community memorial for a public remembrance and celebration of the lives of Robert, Barbara, Adah and Noah. Members of the\ community who wish to attend are asked to dress in bright colors and come in a spirit of joy and hope in the grace and peace we have in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The outdoor service will include music, prayer and words of remembrance and hope. Candles and bubbles will be provided.”
The vigil was officiated by Rev. Barry Dagenhart of First Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Bob Elliot or Edgemoor ARP Church, according to The Charlotte Observer. Robert Lesslie was a prominent doctor in Rock Hill and served many families at his practice on India Hook Road, which closed on April 11 in response to Lesslie’s passing, according to wspa.com.
At the entrance to the practice was a note that read, “We regret to inform you that a tragedy has struck our Riverview family. To allow out staff time to process what has happened, we will be closed on April 8th. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this has caused you and ask for your understanding during this difficult time. We will post updates on a reopening date on our website and Facebook page. Please keep our loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
At the vigil, the atmosphere was at its most somber when there was talk of Adah, 9, and Noah, 5, the Lesslie grandchildren who died at the shooting.
“I watched those children grow up at Camp Joy and I count them as part of my family,” Elliot said. “Adah was a sweet little lady from the very beginning. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye and she was so much like her mother, it was kind of scary, but not in a bad way. She was always a great helper… Both children liked to come and visit with my son and I while we were fishing… Noah would always just borrow my rod and hold it for a few minutes… he did catch a fish one time when we were down there doing that.”
On the same day as the vigil, Robert Shook, another technician at the shooting, died as a result of his injuries.
“We lift up the James Lewis family and ask your blessing upon them as they too have lost a loved one. Three children left without a father… We lift up the same for the Robert Shook family as he has passed away this day,” prayed Elliot.
