Family, friends remember Austin Wright, 18

Nine-year-old Jayann Floyd studies her steady candlelight while gusty winds curling around the corners of the park band shell. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Friends of 18-year-old Austin J. Wright, who went missing March 9 and was found dead southwest of Palisade, Nebraska, on April 16, gathered in Norris Park in McCook Tuesday evening to show, several said, that Austin was very important to them and that he will be missed.

The Hitchcock County sheriff's department continues its investigation into Wright's death.

Shelby Dike told those in the park that "although we've been broken badly, we're still strong. I hope we can show Angela (Austin's mother) and her family how important Austin was to us."

Nathan Cummins, right and Dalton Koetter tend their flames. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

"We're gonna miss him," Max Allen said, with a sad smile. "We did lots of things together that we shouldn't have."

A group of girls, giggling, agreed, one saying, "He was a big pain-in-the-butt, but we had some pretty crazy -- CRAZY -- times with Austin that we shouldn't mention here."

Another said, "Austin was not a bad kid ... he had some bad times, but he was not a bad kid. He'll be missed."

Todd Aneas, right, and Zack Latimer, struggle to keep their flames lighted. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

Austin's sister, Erin, remembered that Austin always told her that they "need to find an excuse to tell Mom" for whatever was going on. She and Austin were close, she said. "He told me all his secrets," she said. "Don't worry," she smiled at those gathered around the band shell, "Your secrets are safe with me." The crowd chuckled.

Austin's brother, Tyler, thanked those in the park for coming, and for the love, support and prayers for his brother and family during Austin's disappearance and now with his death.

Austin James Wright was born Aug. 25, 1995, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Angela (Gleason) and Quinton Wright. He went to school in Grand Island and McCook and attended Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte.

On the band shell stage, McKenna McConnell -- supported by her friend, Alex Barraza -- said, "Austin was hilarious and fun to hang out with. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

He is survived by his parents, Angela and James Christner of Palisade and Quinton Wright of Grand Island; and two sons, Kaeden and Sawyer and one daughter, Tatum.

Austin was buried April 21, in Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, Nebraska, following services at Hamlet Union Church. (See the Monday, April 21, edition of the McCook Gazette for a full obituary).

Tiffany Dike, a friend of Austin, said she is ordering bracelets in purple and black (Austin's favorite colors, she said) to wear in memory of Austin. Each will read, "Let me die young, or let me live forever." Contact Tiffany, (308) 350-0770, to purchase a bracelet, $3 each.

Austin's sister, Erin, has fond memories of growing up with Austin. (Connie Jo Discoe/McCook Gazette)

Tiffany said that 50 percent of the bracelet proceeds will be donated to Austin's family.

As friends drifted away from the park, Jay Z's song "Forever Young," lyrics that inspired the wording on the bracelet, echoed through the park:

"Forever young, I wanna be forever young.
Do you really want to live forever, forever, and ever?
Forever young (young).
I wanna be (Aye, may the best of your todays)
Forever young (Be the worst of your tomorrows).
Do you really want to live forever (But we ain't even thinkin' that far).
Forever (ya know what I mean?)
Forever young ...