Many people visited Southbrook Church on Monday to honor the life of Zackary Rieken, an 18-year-old who was killed in a shooting in October.
Rieken's family and friends say they never could have prepared for this day.
"His death continues to take my breath away," Chandra Rieken said. "It hurts so much to know that he is gone."
Rieken was found dead of a gunshot wound on Oct. 26 in a car near James Blakeney Avenue in Charlotte, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Police have not said what led to the shooting.
Many people sat in silence at the Weddington church unprepared to say goodbye.
"I really don’t want to read this," said the church's pastor before starting his service.
"I can hardly imagine what it would be like to live in a world without my brother," Isaac Rieken, Zachary's brother, said.
Family and friends said it's hard to forget someone who leaves behind so much to remember.
"He always knew when help was needed and did what it took to get it done," Chandra Rieken said.
"When he was young he was known for being so happy and deep of heart he sang loudly and he smiled deeply and he loved greatly," said a family friend.
As the family now looks ahead to a road of healing, their community is sending donations to show love and bring relief.
CMPD has since arrested two teens in connection to Zackary’s death, 18-year-old Sanjie Johnson and an unnamed 17-year-old.
Click here if you would like to make a donation to the family.