PORTLAND, Tenn. (WKRN) — Portland community members gathered Sunday to remember 19-year-old Austin Dill, who died after being shot last weekend.
Dill’s family — including his uncle, Darrin Moss — wore matching shirts that said “Forever 19” to honor his life during the visitation at Generation Church in Portland on Sunday, March 2. Moss said his nephew was just shy of turning 20 years old when he died.
“He would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it,” Moss told News 2. “No matter you was, young or old, he would walk up to you and just hug you and tell you he loved you and start talking to you.”
According to local law enforcement, there is an active investigation into Dill’s death, but no information can be released at this time.
“It is a horrible feeling not knowing exactly what’s going on with everything and knowing that you have lost one of the most precious souls in this world,” Moss said.
Dill’s family said he was beloved in his community. According to his obituary, the 19-year-old’s “ability to light up a room was unparalleled,” and he had a “unique gift for making others feel valued.”
Moss said his nephew loved cars and was known for driving his Camaro. In fact, Dill’s friends put together a car show in Bowling Green on Saturday, March 1 to honor his legacy.
“When Austin got shot, we thought that everything was going to be okay, but God must have had bigger plans for him,” Moss told News 2.
Hundreds of people have donated more than $18,000 to a GoFundMe set up to help Dill’s family cover their medical bills, funeral expenses, and other essential costs. If you would like to contribute, click here.
According to Dill’s obituary, there will be another visitation at Generation Church from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, March 3, followed by the celebration of life.
