Family, friends honor Ja Shawn Tate

Friends, family members and residents of Carrier Mills gathered Saturday evening to hold a candlelight memorial for Ja Shawn Tate.

Tate lost his life in a fire just after midnight Thursday. According to witnesses, Tate entered the burning house in an attempt to rescue members of the family trapped inside. Tragically, Tate's effort cost him his life.

Nearly 40 people gathered in front of the residence at 508 E. Washington St. in Carrier Mills on Saturday evening to remember, celebrate and bid farewell. Participants remembered Tate as a happy person, who could always make his friends laugh. Tate was celebrated as someone who enjoyed interacting with children and young people and always brightened the lives of those he met.

Event organizer, Keysha Dismuke spoke to the Daily Register after the ceremony.

"We did this so we could celebrate the wonderful person he was," Dismuke said. "He was always happy and could make you smile. He was a hero; he was just one of the greatest people you could meet."

At the end of the ceremony, participants released red balloons to the sky and watched as they floated upwards.

"We let them go for him," Dismuke said tearfully. "They went up to heaven and he has them now."