PHOTOS: Slain Culver High Grad Chyler Paton honored with vigil
Paton, 17, was killed days after graduating Culver City High School when he was shot at a pool party in Torrance last Wednesday night.
Friends and family reminisced about their memories of Chyler Paton Tuesday evening at a candlelight vigil held at Culver City High School's Jerry Chabola Stadium, where Paton played on the CCHS Football Team. Paton graduated from CCHS just days before a Torrance pool party last Wednesday night, where he was shot and killed at just 17 years old. At the center of the vigil were his parents — Tyesha Hansborough (left) and Christley Paton (second from left) — and Culver City High School Head Football Coach Jahmal Wright (second from right). || Photo by Christian May-SuzukiAround 200-300 people were in attendance Tuesday night to pay tribute to Paton, according to estimates by the Culver City Police Department. Wright — who organized the vigil — spoke fondly of his time coaching Paton, praising him for both his drive on the football field that pushed him to the starting running back position for the Centaurs and the kindness he showed off it. "He was mature and comfortable enough to let the people around him know how much they meant to him," Wright said, "and I admired that." || Photo by Christian May-Suzuki Loved ones remembered Paton for his love of food, the effort he put forward to show he cared for those around him, and the strength he demonstrated in pursuing his goals. Some of his teachers admitted they had concerns about his academic standing when he first started in the District, but Paton's perseverance and commitment to his dreams led him to admission at Cal State Dominguez Hills, where he planned to study criminal justice to pursue a career as a criminal defense attorney and judge. || Photo by Christian May-SuzukiIn addition to those who knew him from his time in Culver City, Paton's life impacted people outside of his school community. Paton would do community service at a tree lot on Crenshaw Boulevard and Imperial Highway in Inglewood — helping with lighting Christmas trees — and several people who remembered him fondly from their time working with him there also spoke at the vigil. || Photo by Christian May-SuzukiPaton leaves behind two younger siblings, who both spoke at the vigil. His sister (center) reflected on her memories of how close she and Paton were. "Anything I went through, Chyler was right there by my side," she said. There wasn't a dry eye in the audience as his younger brother (not pictured) spoke candidly only as a young child can, conveying simply, "I really miss him so much." || Photo by Christian May-SuzukiFollowing the speeches and a moment of silence in honor of Paton, a candlelight display was set up in the shape of "CP6" to honor Paton and the number he wore as a member of the Centaurs football team. || Photo by Christian May-Suzuki
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