As snowflakes descended on the University Green Tuesday night, about 170 Ball State students and local residents gathered in a circle, singing "Amazing Grace" and holding candles and photos in memory of Karl Harford.
Harford, a 20-year-old sophomore from Carmel, was a pre-business major working to earn a degree in accounting. Friends and family remembered him for his kindness and willingness to help others.
"Karl was a great man who loved life and all the gifts God had given him," said Father Kevin Haines, Harford's pastor at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church in Westfield. "Even last Saturday he was trying to help someone out."
Douglas McConkey, vice president for student affairs at Ball State, said Harford was also an admirable friend and student at the university.
"Karl was an innocent victim, a quiet kid who everybody admired," McConkey said. "He came from a good family. ... he tried to do the right thing."
McConkey said the university must come together to get through such a tragedy. The community can find hope beyond the despair and grief caused by Harford's death, he said.
"It's hard for us to understand why this happened, but if we can find comfort in honoring this special friend, then healing will begin," McConkey said.
Livia Harford, Karl's mother, said the tragedy has been difficult for the family in many ways but said she appreciates the support of her son's friends.
"Kids don't go before their parents usually. It's taken a toll, and we're making adjustments," Livia said. "Thank you for being his friends."
As teary students and family members gathered around Harford's personal belongings, including a basketball, red baseball cap and backpack, they placed candles around the area and reflected on how he enjoyed dancing and playing cards.
"I know Karl is up in heaven, looking down, sees you here and loves every one of you," said Thomas Harford, Karl's father.
Haines led a prayer emphasizing the need for killing to stop so that no other members of the community would have to experience the same kind of tragedy.
We must not quit compassion or doing the right thing, however, just because there is evil in the world, Haines said.
Student Government Association president-elect Ben Tietz said he was very pleased with the number of students who attended the vigil to show support for Harford's family and friends.
"It's a tragic situation, and it's tough for people to get through a situation like this," Tietz said. "It's great there are friends and people in the Ball State community that are there to help in any way possible."
McConkey also said the vigil will strengthen the community, giving hope to students for the future as they remember Harford and his family.
"We will remember him as a friend who was with us for a very short time, but will have a lasting and unique place in the hearts of so many people," McConkey said.
Ball State's Counseling Center is available for students who want to talk to someone individually about the incident, said Robin Lett, associate director of clinical services at the center.
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