Death can be confusing for young children who may not grasp the sudden absence of a loved one or comprehend the tears of an older child or adult. In Richmond, the faces of too many children resemble, on a daily basis, that of this youngster who attended the March 23 prayer vigil for Binford Middle School student Marquan “Quan” Mitchell-Nash, 13. Marquan was accidentally shot and killed by a relative on March 10. The vigil at the corners of 17th and Stockton streets on Richmond’s South Side was organized by United Citizens Against Crime. It drew dozens of Marquan’s family members, friends, classmates, teachers and Richmond Public Schools officials. Recognizing the deep sadness brought on by Marquan’s death, Charles Willis of UCAC, shared comforting reflections of the youngster’s brief life. “Marquan was a very happy young man, a loving son, a protector, a provider, was loved by his friends and community,” Mr. Willis said. “He loved playing football and playing jokes on friends.”
