ELYRIA, Ohio — Elyria City Schools is hosting a candlelight vigil on Aug. 4 for the Nelson family who was killed in an apparent murder-suicide at their home on Willow Park Road.
Elyria Schools Superintendent Ann Schloss released the following statement:
These three siblings were deeply loved by their teachers, principals, fellow students, neighbors, friends and family. The people who love them could speak for hours at length at the irreplaceable goodness these young people brought to our school buildings. And there are truly no words adequate enough to describe the pain that arises from a tragedy of this immensity.
It is unfathomable, to be sure, and it elicits emotions that are painful, raw and difficult to comprehend. In such moments, it is incumbent on parents, teachers and community members to recognize the critical role they play in supporting children—and other adults, in fact—who will without a doubt struggle to process this tragedy.
It is impossible to conceive of how such incidents can occur. But ultimately, we are left with the sobering responsibility of providing guidance and care to our students, particularly as they are confronted with news of this magnitude.
In the days and weeks ahead, I encourage you to reach out to those around you for support and seek additional mental health treatment if needed.
The vigil, organized by friends of the family, will be held at West Park Soccer Field. Anyone attending is encouraged to arrive between 7:45 pm. and 8 p.m.
Masks and social distancing are required. There will be some chairs available, but if attending, you are encouraged to bring a chair or blanket to sit on.
The students were identified as Gavin Nelson, 12, Brianna Nelson, 10, and Liam Nelson, 6. Their parents were identified as John Nelson, 44, and Robin Nelson, 35. Authorities said they are investigating the slayings as a murder/suicide and that John Nelson is believed to be the suspect. Members of the family all sustained gunshot wounds.
RELATED: Police identify Elyria family killed in apparent murder/suicide
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