Royale Lexing was shot and killed earlier this month when someone opened fire on a group of people in Seattle’s Central District.
The 19-year-old was involved in the community and was working to turn his life around through an organization called Therapeutic Health Services (THS).
The organization held a memorial in honor of Lexing on Wednesday.
“He deserves more than this. He deserved the world and because he’s not here I’m glad that we’re honoring him, and all the great work that he's done up to that point," said Adrian Day, Lexing’s mentor.
"Royale was referred here by his uncle and his uncle told him, ‘Okay, you're getting in a lot of trouble," said Tujuana Horton, youth engagement coordinator for THS. "So he says, ‘Let's do something different.’ So, he joined our Youth Violence Prevention Intervention Program."
Day said the organization supported Lexing and shared great moments in the building. He was even honored at their annual fundraiser.
"We highlighted him one year and we created this video and it wasn’t just awesome. It blew people away," said Day. "He just brought life and air to everyone, he's infectious with his smile. It fed my soul.”
“It hurt to the core because he's one of our success stories,” said Horton. "It didn't have to be that way. He didn't get to see as far as he could go. He really wanted to do something different with his life.”
Police are still searching for the shooter. Anyone with information is asked to call 206-233-5000.