Friends and family of Alaysia Smith held a balloon release celebration in North Philadelphia on Friday evening.
Her mother was emotional as they called her daughter’s name and released balloons into the air. She was comforted by her family.
They all support each other and say they are taking it day by day.
“I am overwhelmed. I am amazed at the impact and all the lives that she has touched and touched,” said Ayla Bruce, Alaysia’s mother.
Smith was shot and killed at a home on North Bailey Street. Investigators said there were other teens in the home, and sources tell CBS News Philadelphia that another teen mishandled a weapon, leading to the shooting.
No arrests have been made and the weapon is still missing.
“Whether they catch her or not, my daughter is still gone,” Bruce said.
“This really should never have happened. So we try to be there for each other,” said Cheer Coordinator Frances Dixen.
The crowd gathered at Brady Field, home of the Blackhawks. According to the family, Smith was a fan of the football team last year, loved sports, had a heart of gold and always made people laugh.
“Once you become a cheerleader, you have cheerleader sisters for life,” Dixon said.
Smith’s mother said she knows the cheerleading team will continue to encourage her daughter.
“They should cheer her on hard,” she said. She also has a message for other teens.
“Don’t play with guns. Stay away from violence. If you see something negative, something violent, go the other way. It’s not worth it. Dying at 13, that’s not okay,” she said.
