By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – About 50 people gathered in Niagara Square Tuesday night for a candle light vigil in memory of Williamsville North High School student Jamie Rodemeyer.
The 14-year-old was found dead from an apparent suicide early Sunday morning outside his East Amherst home.
His parents say he was bullied and that he struggled with his sexuality.
Thomas Gleed was among those who showed up at Niagara Square to offer support to his family. Gleed said he identified with what Rodemeyer went through.
"It took me right back to 1964 and 65, when I was being bullied in school, and when I was afraid people really wanted to kill me. They just didn't want to hurt me, they wanted me dead," said Gleed.
The Reverend Ellen Brauza was among the speakers at the vigil, calling for an end to hate speech in schools.
Also attending the vigil were other Williamsville North students, some of whom had written the message "no hate" on their hands.