Community honors 12-Year-Old Silas Pollock with lantern vigil at Sun Valley Park

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A sea of glowing lanterns lit up the night sky at Sun Valley Park as dozens gathered to remember 12-year-old Silas Pollock, who died by suicide last week.

Wearing green — his favorite color — friends, family, and community members came together in the place he loved to play. The vigil was a somber yet heartfelt tribute to the Farnsley Middle School student whose life ended far too soon.

Pollock's mother, Audra Upshaw, shared how bullying had deeply impacted her son before his death. As the initial wave of visitors and condolences begins to fade, she said the quiet in her home has become overwhelming.

"The people have stopped coming in, like, masses, and so the house is quiet. Everything is just quiet," Upshaw said. "I feel like I'm being suffocated."

She spoke about the everyday moments she misses most.

"Just the idea that he's not gonna come running through my door. He's not gonna yell, 'Mom, mom, can I have a snack?' I learned that that's my snack eater. I have snacks that are just sitting there because he's not here."

The vigil drew people of all ages — many of whom had never met Silas but were touched by his story. Destiny Ferguson, a 4th-grade student, said she came to support others who have been bullied.

"I was bullied, and I just want to remember people who got bullied," Ferguson said.

Tamara Gentry, another attendee, said the tragedy brought her to tears. "I just cried, because it's heartbreaking. I couldn't imagine being his parents and having my child do that. I feel for them really bad."

Pollock is the second person under the age of 18 to die by suicide in Louisville this year, a stark reminder of the urgent need for compassion, awareness, and support.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text 988 for free, confidential support.

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