They gathered for healing, for peace and for prayer. But with the memories so fresh, the tears started flowing.

Mourners gather at Lake Havasu High School for a candlelight vigil Thursday to express their sympathy for the victims of the Aug. 28 multiple homicide. Jillian Danielson/Special to the News-Herald.

Less than a week after the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of five Lake Havasu City residents, more than 100 people in the community participated in a candlelit vigil Thursday night at Lake Havasu High School. The gathering marked the first step toward healing since Brian Diez shot and killed 23-year-old Deborah Langstaff, 24-year-old Primo Verdone, Russell Nyland, 42, Ashleigh Nyland, 20, and Broc Kelson, 20, the night of Aug. 28. Debbi Nyland, 44, survived the shooting and is currently in fair condition in a Las Vegas Hospital.

“My heart just told me the community needed healing,” said Dawn Marie Hayden, who organized the vigil. “We see tragedy every day here because we are a resort community, so there are people who have died on the lake, river and (State Route) 95. But nothing like this.”

While they didn’t necessarily have all of the answers, Cavalry Chapel Pastor Ray Carter said the pastors from churches from around the area were at the candlelit vigil to offer direction.

“There is a lot of help out there for people that are here for grief counseling and comfort to anyone who needs it,” Carter said before offering a prayer to the community.

Faron Eckelbarger, with KNLB Christian Radio, said it was important for him to attend the vigil.

“I know there are a lot of people in this community affected by this tragedy and I can’t imagine what the family members and close friends of these people are going through,” Eckelbarger said. “But I think this is just a wonderful opportunity for us to gather together as a community and hold them up in prayer and let them know they have our support.”

Those looking for comfort are asked to call Mohave County Mental Health at 928-855-3432, Cavalry Chapel at 928-680-6808 or Lakeview Community Church 928-855-1942.

You can contact the reporter at nbruttell@havasunews.com