WYOMING, Mich. (WOOD) — A candlelight vigil was held Monday in remembrance of a 16-year-old whose body was found south of Rockford last week.

Godwin Heights High School Principal Chad Conklin spoke in front of more than 200 district staff, parents, students and members of the community at the school. Many in the crowd were leaning on one another as others held back tears.

“He was a beacon of light, bringing joy, kindness and connection with everyone around him, whether through his laughter, his compassion, or his unique ability to make others feel valued,” said Conklin.

Among the green balloons, candles and signs, gold No. 11 balloons marked McConer’s time playing basketball his freshman year.

“Basketball wasn’t only a sport for Cortez. It was a reflection of his drive, his heart and his ability to bring people together,” said the principal.

The remembrance included a reflection by pastor Dave Drake. The vigil included the popular songs “See You Again” and “Rise Up” ahead of a moment of silence.

The night ended with balloons being released, drifting upward while others held on to candles and creating a makeshift memorial.

“Whether through his laughter, his compassion or his unique ability to make others feel valued, Cortez left an enduring mark on our lives and in our community,” Principal Chad Conklin said as the vigil got underway. “This evening, we not only mourn his passing, but also celebrate the life he lived and the legacy he leaves behind.”

In a letter (PDF) to the school community dated Saturday, Godwin Heights Public Schools Superintendent William Fetterhoff said the school’s Crisis Response Team was available to support students and advised parents to contact school leaders about their child’s needs.

“Death can be difficult for us to understand, especially when it is sudden. All of us will be feeling a variety of emotions; shock, sadness, or confusion. What is most important is that we care for and support each other,” Fetterhoff wrote.

He said grief counselors and other support services are available, and those that are affected can reach out to the district to get connect to those resources.

McConer’s body was discovered Friday afternoon as authorities conducted a large search along Wolverine Boulevard south of 10 Mile Road in Plainfield Township.

“We could kind of see where his path was,” Grand Rapids Police Department Chief Eric Winstrom told News 8 over the weekend. “And it was a significant distance through the woods … and then into the swampy area which then, actually, turned into a pond.”

The medical examiner ruled McConer’s death an accidental drowning, Winstrom said.

The teen had been missing for about three weeks, having last been seen Oct. 26 after he and some friends took off from police. Police initially thought McConer may be hiding from them, thinking he was in trouble, because he had been an occupant in a stolen car.

“No one knew except for the kids with him that Cortez had been in that vehicle. No one knew that Cortez was up in Rockford … until his friends made contact with the family and said ‘Hey, Cortez was with us.’ That was three or four days later that it was brought to my attention that these kids spoke up,” Winstrom explained.

McConer’s father previously suggested his son died not long after he was last seen.

“Although it doesn’t bring back Cortez, obviously, it does sort of make you reflect on the fact that there was nothing that we could have done sooner that would have made a difference in the case,” Winstrom said.