Calgarians pay respects to slain Stampeder
Mother of slain Stampeder flies in for vigil
Hours after Mylan Hicks’ mother flew into Calgary, still in shock over the tragic shooting death of her son, dozens of Calgarians began arriving at McMahon Stadium to show their love to a young man taken too soon.
Around 100 people gathered in the south parking lot of McMahon Stadium with candles, flashlights and flowers — many with tears in their eyes and prayers in their hearts for the slain Stampeder.
Hicks was gunned down outside the Marquee Beer Market early Sunday morning.
Music played over a portable mic was a mix of hymns, classical music and, of course, the Stampeders fight song.
Stampeders quarterback Bo-Levi Mitchell said his lasting memory of Hicks will be the unique smile he flashed after a win, one big enough to light up the sky.
“Of all the rookies I’ve seen come through here, many of them complain about lack of time or opportunity,” Mitchell said. “Not Mylan.”
Charleston Hughes spoke to the crowd, saying he was one of the first people Hicks got to know on the team, and said through good and bad, Hicks was always a joy to be around.
The 45-minute vigil was a moving tribute to a man who, by all accounts, was the voice of reason and calmness, right up until the tragic end.
His mother, Renee Hill, told Postmedia earlier this week that minutes before he was fatally shot, Hicks had bought his alleged killer a drink, in an attempt to calm tensions inside the bar.
“He was always so selfless. Apparently, Mylan even bought the person a drink and tried to embrace him when he was all riled up,” said Hill.
“He put his arm around him and tried to talk him down, saying ‘it’s not bad, it’s all OK.’ ”
Hick’s alma mater, the Michigan State Spartans, will have his college No. 6 on their helmets for their weekend game.
The Stampeders’ plans to honour him are still in the works.
He was always so selfless. Apparently, Mylan even bought the person a drink and tried to embrace him when he was all riled up. He put his arm around him ...