‘DAY OF HOPE’

In Tyler Mcbain's memory, a community event will carry on his positive legacy

ONEIDA, N.Y. >> Tyler Mcbain, of Oneida Castle, was taken too soon from this world as a victim of homicide on August 4, 2020. A year later, his community is rallying together in his remembrance and to raise awareness for gun violence and drug addiction.

The event titled “A Day of Hope in Memory of Tyler” will take place on August 7, 2021, at Vets Field in Oneida starting at 10 a.m. Organizer Kelley Sanborn hopes the event will be the beginning of change in the community. Gun violence and drug addiction have gone too far, she said, and it’s time people start talking about it.

“You have to face this. Every morning, I used to get up and turn on the morning news—i can’t even stand doing it anymore. Everyday. Every morning. Who got shot last night?”

Violence and drug addiction often go hand in hand, Kelley said. According to news reports, Mcbain was murdered as two men were attempting to rob him of marijuana. The men have since been arrested and charged.

Kelley says it will take the effort of an entire community to prevent tragedies like the death of

“People need to start being aware, and they need to start socially talking about it and realize there’s a problem here. It’s not just up to the police. It’s not just up to the parents. It’s not just up to the teachers.”

— Kelley Sanborn, event organizer

21-year-old Mcbain. “People need to start being aware, and they need to start socially talking about it and realize there’s a problem here.

“It’s not just up to the police. It’s not just up to the parents. It’s not just up to the teachers. You have to all come together and work together to bring awareness and make it stop.”

Kelley is the mother of Courtney Sanborn, partner to Tyler and mother of their one-year-old son.

Activities on Saturday will focus on togetherness and education. Madison County BRIDGES will be providing free Narcan training, and a guest speaker will address the topic of drug addiction. A kickball tournament, food, live music, crafts, and more will take place. All proceeds will go toward Tully Hill, a drug addiction treatment and recovery center, and to support the “A Day of Hope in Memory of Tyler Mcbain” fund for local victims of gun violence and drug addiction.

Though Tyler at one point struggled with drug addiction in his own life, he sought help from the services at Tully Hill and came out wanting to be an addictions counselor, Kelley said. Then his life was taken from him, and so now it’s time for his family to carry on his positive legacy.

“He would have done great things with his life had he gotten the chance,” Kelley reflected. In organizing the event, she’s been able to hear stories from neighbors speaking about Tyler’s kind and warm spirit. It’s been amazing to hear, she said.

“Tyler loved his community. He would defend his community, and he wanted the best for his community, and then some,” she reflected.

He was a remarkable young man who helped a lot of people during his short life.

Looking back, Kelley says, “I think he’s an angel that we were blessed to have for that time. He really, even in his death now, is still bringing good.”

More information can be found at the “A Day of Hope in Memory of Tyler Mcbain” Facebook page.

A candlelight vigil will take place on Wednesday, one year after his death, at 7:30 p.m. on 91 Seneca Ave, Oneida.

For those struggling with drug addiction, Tully Hill is there to help. Contact (315) 696-6114.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The late Tyler Mcbain and his one-year-old son

Tyler Mcbain (left and far right) was killed on August 4, 2020. A year later, the community will be gathering in his memory. On the right are his girlfriend Courtney Sanborn and their one-year-old son.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Tyler Mcbain with his girlfriend Courtney Sanborn, their infant son, and Sanborn’s daughter Avarah Pugh.