Prayer Vigil for Ooltewah Community

Ooltewah, TN (WDEF) – Ooltewah community members gathered Tuesday night at Christ Way Church to hold a vigil for the victim of the basketball team assault.

Close to 300 people filled Christ Way Church in Ooltewah.

It was a little over two weeks ago when the assault took place at Gatlinburg cabin while the team was staying there for a tournament.

Student at Ooltewah High School, KaLee Pirtle, said she was proud to see the tremendous turnout.

"It’s just amazing coming here tonight and seeing all these people and all these fellow Christians. It’s really touching to me because I love my school and I love my community."

They came together in solidarity to pray not only for the victim, but for everyone involved and the entire Ooltewah community.

Young Life leader,Tyler Mazrimas, said everyone needs to turn to faith so the Ooltewah community can heal.

"I think we need to show grace and show forgiveness and show love to the families involved.

These kids, yeah they made a mistake that is going to haunt them for the rest of their lives but like, the community is still going show them love."

The vigil was put together in just a few days by the student body.

Student athlete Lorenzo Pickett said although what happened was tragic, he believes there is a reason for everything.

"There is a purpose and reason for everything in life. And I know that them going through this is for a reason. My job is just to let people know that God is amazing and through God we can find peace in this. And we need to be more loving than hateful."

Former student Doreen Flaherty said she and the rest of the Ooltewah community will continue to turn to their faith during this time.

“Through all of this, this storm that God is still in control and God can use something like this to bring people together and show them that He is glorious."

Wednesday is the first day back to school for Ooltewah students.

The Hamilton County school board plans to hold a meeting later that evening about further actions they plan to take.

Part of that meeting will be open to the public.

You can depend on us to bring you the details from that meeting.