Prosper Neighbors Pay Tribute To Father, Son Killed In France
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PROSPER (CBSDFW.COM) - Neighbors in Prosper took time Sunday night to pay tribute to those killed in the French terror attack and in particular the two Americans who once called North Texas home.
The Copeland family had a lasting impact in Prosper, and friends gathered for a candlelight vigil to pay their respects to a father and son who touched the lives of people vowing to never forget them.
Glass jars guarded the tiny flames from wind, and neighbors stood close to keep their candles burning. As they gathered together, longtime friends like Jason Dixon still found it hard to believe that 51-year-old Sean Copeland and his 11-year-old little boy Brodie were among the dozens of victims in the Bastille Day attack.
"My stomach dropped, and I was like, oh my word, something that had happened halfway around the globe hit home real fast," family friend Jason Dixon said.
The two men coached sports together when the Copelands called Collin County home. Even after the family moved to the Austin area, friends and neighbors felt a strong bond.
"The flood of Prosper residents that remembered Sean and Brodie and the impact that Kim and them had on their lives brought us to where we are tonight," Dixon said.
Dozens came together under the pavilion at Frontier Park to say goodbye and to share memories.
"His family came first. There was no question about that. And when he was committed, he was all in," family friend Mike Korbuly said.
"Our motto is, 'A Place Where Everyone Matters,' whether they were here for a short time and left, they still matter, and it's evident with tonight," Dixon said.
A family spokesperson sent us a statement from the family members still in France. It reads,
"With the help of the U.S. government, we are doing everything we can to get back home. We continue to feel the love and support from all, and it helps to ease our shattered hearts."
The State Department flew relatives to be with the surviving family members in Nice and accompany them home.
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