HOPEWELL, Va. (WWBT) – Tragedy rocks the Hopewell community, and many are drawing strength from one another.

Students, staff, teachers and family members filled the Hopewell High School gymnasium to pray and remember 15-year-old Jayvion Taylor.

“God, we can’t do this alone. God, we’re hurting right now, we need you now.”

There were moments of grief and tributes from Jayvion’s closest confidants. People in the gym sat with tears in their eyes and hugged each other as they dealt with the devastating loss.

“Jay was probably the most loving and caring little boy you will ever meet,” said Erin Edmonds, a student at Hopewell High School.

School officials said Jayvion collapsed after a water break at football practice. An ambulance took him to the hospital, where he died.

“This is my nephew, so I can only imagine what my sister is going through,” said Lakeita Allen Jayvion’s aunt. “If I can’t handle it, I can only imagine.”

Allen says she and her entire family are still in shock. Jayvion’s parents, visibly heartbroken at the vigil, listened as many came to the podium to describe their son’s character and his importance to the community.

“He’s the only kid that can build a community and make it better than it ever could have been by uniting us,” head coach Ricky Irby said.

Irby presented Jayvion’s parents with his game jersey.

“I want the family to know that Jayvion’s legacy will live on forever. You have my word on that,” coach Irby said.

According to Jayvion’s aunt, the cause of death has not yet been determined.

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