HOUSTON — The community came together Monday night to remember Landon Payton at a vigil outside Marshall Middle School. The 14-year-old student died last week after passing out on the floor of the gym.
Friends and neighbors wrapped their arms around Payton's family.
"The Bible didn't tell us how to mourn our children," said Payton. "We let them go to school, and we expect them to come home."
But last week Landon didn't come home. What's most heartbreaking is that it's still unclear how or why he died.
"What brings us together is a different common bond, grief," Belinda Moreno, founder of the Near Northside Community Response Team.
The Near Northside Community Response Team organized the vigil. Mourners lit candles.
Landon's father, Alexis Payon, and two older siblings were in the crowd.
The community clung to music and prayer before a balloon release in Landon's honor. Tears were flowing and the pain was palpable.
"A child who was supposed to come home did not even make it out of the school building," said community member, Stella Mireles-Walters.
In the days since Landon's death, KHOU 11 has learned 170 AED's across district campuses are not working. The answer to that question remains unanswered.
Students and families left messages on a banner for Landon's family while praying Landon's death won't be in vain.
"To the Payton family, today doesn't end we'll be with you forever," said Moreno.
KHOU 11 News tried to speak to Landon's father Monday night, but he referred us to his attorney Christopher Tritico. He said they're waiting on an autopsy report before deciding on the next steps.
Tritco said a preservation of evidence letter was sent to HISD.