Remembering 'Brady Boy': Vigil honours man killed in Saint-Charles hit and run

The community of Elsipogtog First Nation filled the pews inside a local church onSunday night to remember a man killed in a hit and run over the weekend.

Brady Francis, 22,was waiting for a drive home in Saint-Charles, a community about 100 kilometres north of Moncton near Richibucto.

The Elsipogtogresidentwason the shoulder of Saint-Charles SudRoad,when he was struck and killed by a vehicle thatfled the scene.

Franciswas found later by friends who happened to drive by and spot him.

• Man killed in Saint-Charles hit and run

"The reason for the service was to bring the youth together to share the pain and start the healing process," saidRuth Levi,band councillor and director of social services inElsipogtog.

She said acandlelight vigil was held to help community members heal.

This was not only hard for us to lose a fine member of our community but the fact that it was a hit and run, brought out a lot more anger.-Ruth Levi,band councillor

"Brady was a very,very well-liked young man here in the community."

Jody Milliea, a resident ofElsipogtogFirst Nation,was also there.

He attended the vigil to remember Francis, who washis godson. He was also there to support his best friend, Francis's father.

Milliealearned of the tragedy when Francis's father sent him a text Saturday night around 10 p.m. Immediately, hedrove to the scene where Francis was struck.

Milliea believes the vigil was to help let younger community members mourn.

"First and foremost would be the pain the youngsters are feeling because it was such a tragic death," he said. "They are all there for each other."

Milliea said his godson was very friendly and was considereda friendto everybody.

"He was all smiles, no matter a stranger, no matter a friend. He was a very beautiful person."

Levi echoed Milliea's comments.

"Brady was loved by everybody," said Levi."We're all hurting right now."

She described Francis as a handsomeyoung man who would light up aroom.

"He was just always Brady Boy," she said.

"He had all kinds of nicknames and he had a name for you he was just happy to see everybody."

An emotional service

Levi said there was no formal organization for the vigil that saw more than 100 people.

"It just flowed."

Traditional drumming and Mi'kmaq songs were part of the service, followed byprayers and words of comfort from Rev. Raymond Desjardins.

Almost everyone held a candle to remember Francis, while others held a picture of him.

Desjardins also praised the communityfor coming together in solidarity in a time of grief.

Theservice concluded with the Mi'kmaq Honour Song. Meanwhile,everyone was invited by Levi to turn to the person standing beside them and share a hug. This was also part of the healing process.

Levi saidfuneral arrangements will be made in the coming days. Francis is survived by his parents, a brother and three sisters.

"We have suffered a great loss," Levi said. "This was not only hard for us to lose a fine member of our community but the fact that it was a hit and run, brought out a lot more anger."