We would like to extend our most sincere thanks and gratitude to the community. On June 17, we suffered the loss of our son, Dilan. Since that tragic day, we have been surrounded by comfort from family, friends and the community.

On Tuesday, June 19, Buchanan Community High School allowed us to hold a beautiful candlelight vigil in Dilan’s name. This event was breathtaking! To all the hundreds of people in attendance, thank you for being there and remembering Dilan. Also, thank you to the superintendent, principals, teachers, coaches and counselors who were there to help make this night possible. We continued to see the love for Dilan by the many who attended his visitation service on Wednesday and funeral on Thursday.

Thank you to everyone for the daily thoughts, prayers, messages, letters, poems, cards, phone calls, food and more that we continue to receive on a daily basis. We were asked numerous times, in the first few days, where donations could be sent to honor Dilan.  Quickly, we decided to set up a scholarship fund at United Federal Credit Union in Dilan’s name. At that time, we didn’t realize how generous people would be during such a tragedy.  The donations this fund has received have been uplifting. While honoring Dilan, these donations will allow us to give back in such a positive manner. A huge thank you goes out to all of you from our family, from Dilan’s family!

Everyone who met Dilan, loved him. We can only hope that the memories and love for Dilan will continue to stay in hearts forever.

The family of Dilan Shearer