Hundreds filled Randolph Union High School's Auditorium Tuesday night to say goodbye to Brooke Bennett. Family, friends, classmates and police officers came to mourn the 12-year old's tragic death.
Calling hours officially started at 5p.m., but the high school parking lot was already full an hour before. People were pouring in, some wearing pink memorial pins in honor of Brooke. An officer outside the front entrance told Fox44 News reporter, Julia Dunn, that between 500 to 1,000 people were expected to attend.
Many of Brooke's close friends and classmates came to the calling. Kelsey Tracy graduated seventh grade with Brooke only weeks ago. The two girls also played on the basketball and lacrosse team together.
"There's not going to be that girl in study hall making fun of the boys anymore," Tracy said, wiping away tears.
She says laughing with Brooke is what she'll miss the most. Only weeks ago, the girls were in 7th grade walking the halls of this school together. Now, Kelsey Tracy is back at their school, here to be with her friend one last time.
"She was a very happy person, very sweet to everyone, we became best friends quickly, grew to be over the years. It hurts," Tracy remembered.
Brooke would have turned 13 years old on Saturday. Media were not allowed inside the auditorium, but Funeral Director Randy Garner says it was decorated with pictures, flowers, Brooke's lacrosse stick and jersey. Giving visitors glimpses into her short life as they made their way up the middle aisle to pay respects to the family standing aside an open-casket.
"This is a community where teenagers come to their grandparents calling hours. I mean, people know how to support each other here." Garner explains, referring to the huge turnout, one of the reasons calling hours and the funeral are located at the school. "Tonight, it's hard to gauge with something like this."
Brooke Bennett's body was discovered last Wednesday off Crocker road in Randolph, Vt. Her Uncle, Michael Jacques, in prison tonight on federal kidnapping charges. Brooke's death has been ruled as a homicide.
"I knew a lot of people loved her," Tracy said of her late friend. "She was the type of girl who attracted everyone. She was never mean to anyone."
An outdoor funeral is set for Brooke Bennett Wednesday morning at 11am at Randolph Union High School. To send a private condolence to the Bennett family, you can visit their website at the following web address:
http://www.dayfunerals.com/index.cfm
Click on Brooke Bennett's name on the right hand column. An obituary page will appear, and a link above to 'send private condolences'.
Garner says the Day Funeral Home has received a record number of emails in the past few days; both locally and from all over the country. All items received are reviewed by the funeral home before being sent to the family. Garner says, a hard copy of all condolences sent will be prepared for Brooke's family to keep.
