Community holds vigil for 11-year-old after suicide

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — Heartbroken, devastated and still in pain, Scottie and Jamie Safrit brought the community together to remember their son.

"I miss Daniel with all my heart. And I don't wish that on anybody," said Scottie Safrit.

The family said last week that 11-year-old Daniel Safrit took his own life.

The loss left a hole in their hearts that's impossible to fill, but they hope tonight's vigil will raise awareness and prevent another tragedy like this one.

"Nobody could ever say a bad word about him. Never once did he get in trouble at school," said Jamie Safrit.

Wearing shirts with Daniel's picture and others that read "stop the bullying," the Rowan community said it wants to give a voice to all the children who have ever been taunted or teased.

"It might not be physical. But words hurt and there's a lot of kids that hide it just like Daniel did," Jamie Safrit said.

Despite Daniel's unimaginable death, his parents say they remain hopeful in their message against bullying.

"Daniel is our energy, our driving force. We are speaking for Daniel and what he couldn't do himself," said Scottie Safrit.

WSOC