Vigil Held To Honor Memory Of Oak Park Teen

OAK PARK, IL — Rays from the setting sun shone on more than 150 students and community members as they held flickering candles high to pay tribute to their beloved classmate, Gillian Lundgren. The vigil, which was organized by Lundgren's peers and Suburban Unity Alliance, took place in Scoville Park to honor the memory of the 15-year-old track star, who tragically passed away in late July.

Lundgren's unexpected death shook the close-knit community of Oak Park and community members and leaders expressed their support for each other immediately. Oak Park-River Forest High School, where Ludgren was attending as a sophomore, offered grief support counseling for students, parents, and staff in the wake of Lundgren's death. On its website, the school expressed its sorrow, saying, "we were extremely saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of rising sophomore Gillian Lundgren" and offering advice for working through with the tragedy."

At the vigil, friends, family, and neighbors shared stories and songs to honor Lundgren, who was loved for her supportive, upbeat nature and her thirst for competition in track and field.

Community organizer and SUA head Anthony Clark reflected the community's sentiments about Lundgren in a statement. He said that "often we do not know the strength of our communities until in times of sadness. We are interconnected and must continue to support community members as it not only strengthens individual relations but strengthens overall communities. Gillian was a beautiful part of our community and we will continue to work together through the grieving process and in celebration of her life."

A GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit Gillian Lundgren's family. So far, more than $24,000 has been donated.

>>Image credit: Anthony Clark, Suburban Unity Alliance