After learning of the death of a Sharon transgender teen Pauly Likens, community leaders are vowing to keep her name alive. The 14-year-old was murdered in June, and her remains were found in the Shenango River.

As the community heals, multiple LGBTQ groups and community members have shown support for Likens and her family.

"This is like so close to our area, just I don't know, everyone is just shell shocked," said Pamela Ladner, president of the LGBTQ+ Alliance and the Shenango Valley Pride Picnic.

With the blessing from Likens family, The Shenango Valley Pride Picnic is hosting a candlelight vigil on July 13 to make sure Pauly isn't forgotten.

As everyone gathers for the vigil, pictures of Likens will be on display. Ladner hopes the event will show the community's support for the family.

"Our hearts go out to them and I think the best way to show them the love is for us all to gather and say hey, we can't do anything for you other than to just say that we're trying to be here for you and we hope that gives you some comfort," said Ladner.

Members of Full Spectrum Community Outreach are attending and speaking at the vigil. The group is offering Pauly's family additional support.

“We’re currently in the process of reaching out to Pauly’s family to offer our support, whether it is through our peer support groups, whether it is through helping to refer grievance counseling, when it’s offering our center,” said Justin Kalinay, Community engagement director for the Full Spectrum Community Outreach Center.

A GoFundMe was created after the announcement and surpassed its goal of $15,000 in less than a day.