Community gathers for vigil in honor of Auston Wingo

PULASKI COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) - The community continues to mourn the sudden loss of 5-year-old Auston Wingo, who passed away Monday after being found unresponsive at the Pulaski County YMCA.

There has been an outpouring of support from the Pulaski County community, including a memorial fund created earlier this week. The community came together again Saturday night at Randolph Park for a vigil in Wingo’s honor.

“You’re always here within our hearts; you filled our lives with joy and pleasure,” said family friend Rebecca Isom, who organized the event.

The wind and rain didn’t stop more than 50 family and friends of the Wingos from remembering the light that Auston was in their lives.

“I was worried because of the weather. So it’s great that people came out, and especially his family, because it’s my reason we’re doing this.”

Isom knows the Wingos through formerly being employed by the Pulaski County YMCA.

“I used to work at the YMCA so I cared for Austin and his sister.”

The Wingo Family has been grateful for the outpouring of support. It began with a memorial fund and extended to Saturday night’s vigil.

“I like it that we can all come together as a community and our grief and just be there for each other.”

Isom said the vigil gave the community a public chance to honor Auston, since his memorial service will be private. She asked the community to keep the Wingo family in their thoughts and prayers.

Auston’s cause of death is still being investigated by the Pulaski Police and the Bedford County Commonwealth’s Attorney. WDBJ7 reached out to the Pulaski Police Saturday to see if there is an update at this time, but did not hear back. We will continue to update the community as more details become available.

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