NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) – Friends and family gathered at the South Morrison Family Education Center to remember 21-year-old Amari Maxwell.

“He was special. My baby was special. He’s still special. His laugh, his goofiness, his singing, his everything. Everything,” said Latrice Lewis, his mother.

More than 30 people showed up to the football field where Maxwell used to play.

“To see everybody and hear the stories about him. It cherished my heart,” said Lewis. 

Everyone took turns to remember Maxwell, who was fatally shot on Traverse Road Tuesday evening. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. 

Maxwell worked at McDonald’s for years. His managers paid a visit to his vigil and even brought his favorite menu item, strawberry cream pies. 

“She’s known him before McDonald’s. This is touching that the managers came,” said Lewis. 

No suspect information has been released, but police are continuing to investigate the shooting.

The vigil was not only to grieve him, but to keep his memory alive. 

“He was just a loving, fun, energetic, positive person, like always. Even through negative situations, he was still positive. And that’s just who he was. [He] loved work and loved to help,” said Carlos Russell, Maxwell’s father.

Russell admitted he was not stunned by the turnout. 

“The type of person that he is, he touched people. He was funny. He was genuinely hard-working, and his personality was infectious. Like if there was any type of negative energy in the room when he walked in it, that negative energy is gone. That’s it. That’s just who he is,” said Russell.

The family has a GoFundMe. It will go towards Maxwell’s funeral arrangements. If interested in donating, click here.