HORSESHOE BEND, Idaho — Family, friends and an entire community are remembering a fallen hero. Specialist Michael Osorio died on Tuesday while on tour in Iraq.
Twenty-year-old Osorio was from Horseshoe Bend and on Friday night, his hometown community remembered his life and service with a vigil.
With a population of about 700 people, residents in this small Idaho town are close and Friday, they showed how much they loved their soldier.
More than 200 people filled the sidewalks and lawn in front of the Horseshoe Bend High School to pay tribute to Osorio.
For about half an hour, people shared stories about his contagious laugh, wonderful sense of humor, and a loving personality. They say that Orosrio was a man that cared for everyone.
People in attendance to Friday's vigil say that his loss has rocked their entire community, leaving a void in the small town.
"I was crushed," Lana Larson, Orsorio's best friend, said. "The whole school was silent. It's kind of the elephant in the room, nobody wants to talk about it but he definitely made everyone feel like he was their best friend so it hit everyone pretty hard."
The mood throughout the vigil was somber, with lots of emotions, tears, and hugs.
Those at the vigil also got to sign a basketball, football or notecards with their favorite memories of him, which will all be given to his family.
Osorio's parents weren't able to be at the vigil because they have already flown back east to escort their soldier home.
