Oakland Artist Community Mourns As Fire Victims Identified
OAKLAND (CBS13) - Thousands gathered in Lake Merritt Monday night to honor the lives lost in Friday night's deadly warehouse fire.
It was an emotional night as people packed the open space, some carrying flowers, others lights and some lit candles.
Through music and song, members of the artist community in Oakland cried as they remembered.
Many say the last three days have been agonizing for the city as people waited and watched as crews made their way through the burnt out remains of what used to be a home for many of these artists.
"As musicians and artists we're a bit of a dying breed out in the Bay Area because it's so hard to make a living," said Glenn Molina.
The vigil was a chance for the community to come together and pay tribute.
"It really shows what Oakland is about and how we are a community that can come together and support one another," said Taylor Nelson.
"It's just heartbreaking. Watching the number go up from 7 to 9 to 20, to past 30 ... it literally hurts my heart," said her sister Teralyn Nelson.
She adds, "there are people here who have lost people and I just want to be there for them stand with them."
Thirty-six bodies have been recovered, and officials have searched through 75 percent of the structure. But there are still family members desperately searching for love ones.
About 50 people are unaccounted for, but officials don't expect the death toll to go up significantly.
Through the pain, one man was giving out coffee in exchange for hugs.
"It just adds some positivity and love and light into the event," said artist Teddie Honey.
The vigil lasted till about 11 p.m. And while the focus was on the victims and their families, many say there is hope for justice.
