The family of Devin Chandlera University of Virginia football player who was killed in a shooting Sunday launched a community fund in his memory.
Chandler, 20, of Huntersville, was a junior at UVA and a graduate of Hough High School. He was killed in his sleep along with two other football players in a shootout while on a bus returning from a school trip. His family remembers him as an “extraordinary young man”, according to their statement on Friday.
To celebrate his life and legacy, his family established the Devin Chandler Memorial Fund at Charlottesville Area Community Foundationan organization dedicated to “improving the quality of life for people living and working in the city of Charlottesville”.
Those interested in supporting the fund can visit the donors page or mail your donations to: The Devin Chandler Memorial Fund, c/o the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, 114 4th Street SE, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
His mother, Daylana Chandler, said Devin never shied away from hard work and was passionate about helping others.
“Devin was an amazing young man who lit up the room with his bright, beaming smile and personality. He loved to sing, dance and, of course, play football,” Daylana said in a statement. “He was passionate about helping people and never shied away from working hard on the football field and in the classroom.”
Two other footballers, Lavel Davis Jr. and D’Sean Perry, were killed in the shootout. At least one other player was injured.
UVA announced he will hold a memorial service for the three players Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in the John Paul Jones Arena.
A gofundme page set up by a family friend has so far raised $124,396 towards a goal of $150,000. The page lists the memorial services for Chandler will take place on December 15.
Additional details of his funeral and services are pending.
