Candlelight Vigil For Ramapo Athlete Ben Landel Is Wednesday

FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — A candlelight vigil and walk for Ramapo High School athlete Ben Landel is Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. at the school.

Landel, a standout track runner and soccer player at Ramapo High School died Thursday of a rare form of cancer.

People took to Twitter with the hashtag #BenStrong in the hours following news of Landel's death. They expressed their sympathy to the Ramapo High School community and shared kind words about Landel.

Landel was reportedly in remission in the fall and had surgery a month or two earlier.

"Although he inspired us all with his hope, determination, courage and strength during this time, we choose to remember him more for the human being he was and the impact he made on the world around him," Landel's obituary states. "Ben embodied all that is good in the world. Known especially for his perpetual kindness.

"Ben was also unselfish, loyal, trustworthy, compassionate, generous, focused, forgiving and humble. He was a gift and an inspiration to all who knew him. He made all of our lives better simply by sharing his life with us."

Landel's life and legacy will be further honored Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. at St. Elizabeth's R.C. Church, 700 Wyckoff Ave., Wyckoff.

A funeral mass celebrating his life is Saturday at St. Elizabeth's R.C. Church at 10 a.m.

Related: Ramapo HS Soccer, Track Athlete Ben Landel Dies Of Cancer
Related: Wyckoff Mourns Soccer Player Who 'Inspired Us All With His Hope'

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Photo: Ben Landel/Courtesy of GoFundMe