Family, friends release balloons in memory of Elia Hernandez
CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — More than a hundred people came together Tuesday seeking comfort after the senseless death of a young girl.
Elia Hernandez, 17, was fatally shot over the weekend. Though an arrest has been made, it’s done little to ease the hurt of those who knew her best.
For the first time, we heard from Elia’s family who joined the crowd Tuesday night to remember and mourn together a young soul who inspired them all.
“My daughter had a lot of friends, and they loved her and she loved all of them too,” Elia’s mother, Carmen Hernandez, said.
More than 300 balloons were released in honor Hernandez, who recently graduated from Crockett County High School.
Hernandez was killed June 26 at a house party after being struck by a stray bullet.
Her mother says she cherishes the simple moments the most. Friends say her smile is what they will miss.
“Number one is her smile, her laugh — she used to do this annoying squeal, she used to do it to get on my nerves, but I would listen to it in a second if I could,” former boyfriend Christian Hubble said.
Classmates at the high school say the school is a loving environment.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, you grew up knowing each other, you grew up in the same community, you go to the same high school, you walk the same halls,” former classmate Brant Tibbs said. “It has the same — I wouldn’t say it had the same effect, but it has an effect on everybody.”
Others say things won’t be the same without her.
“It’s just different without her smile around and seeing her around. It’s a lot different,” Hubble said.
Her mother says something must be done to stop the violence.
“We need to do something about this, because people have weapons so easily,” Hernandez said.
Funeral services for Elia Hernandez will be Friday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Jackson.
Haywood County deputies arrested Quin Love soon after the shooting. He is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and reckless endangerment.
