PAXTON On the pitcher s mound at Tivnan Field, Tyler Trudell s Little League baseball uniform hung near a bouquet of flowers, candles were arranged to form the number two and a large display of photographs emblazoned with the words, #2 on our team, #1 in our hearts.
A small cloud in the shape of a heart formed over the scene as dozens of the popular 13-year-old s friends and teammates gathered for a candlelight vigil to console one another and to remember the pitcher they d turned to as a leader.
Tyler played in a game May 12, he was on the field with his friends and coaches, including Andy Sharry.
The 13-year-old popular Little League player and Paxton Center School student died unexpectedly last week.
Children lined the street as the funeral procession slowly passed. He is being laid to rest at Mooreland Cemetery.
The town has come together in sorrow and support.
The event begins at 7 p.m., at Tivnan Field, where Tyler spent many hours playing baseball. He had a calm, smooth demeanor on the mound, said Andy Sharry, Tyler s baseball coach and an organizer of the vigil. He was a leader in his abilities and his presence.
Tyler, 13, passed away in his sleep Thursday night. The cause of his death is not known, Sharry said.
Tyler is survived by his parents, Stephan and Lynn, and two brothers.
Sharry is hoping that the vigil will give Tyler s teammates and friends, in addition to parents of town youngsters, a chance to share thoughts and bring comfort to one another.