Vigil honors life of Shaun Clark, launches helmet movement

A candlelight vigil at Shadow Hills High School overflowed with loved ones eager to share their memories of Shaun Clark.

The 19-year-old high school senior from Indio died last week, after being struck by an SUV while chasing down his skateboard.

“What a turn out,” said Kaylon McGee, Shaun’s choir director. She was among the first people to speak at the vigil. “This is a tribute to Shaun right here.”

“Do you guys all remember how much Shaun loved his mustang?” asked one of his former teachers, who made the crowd laugh.

It was that laughter, and countless tears that marked the lasting impact Shaun’s life made on the community.

“No one in the world compared to him, as nice as he was,” said Maverick Beezley, who lived next door to Shaun.

“Shaun was just a wonderful person, and he really cared about a lot of people,” said Susan Brown, who said she used to date Shaun.

Shaun’s favorite color was green, so most who attended wore a green ribbon in his memory.

“I don’t look that good in green but I’ve been wearing it all week just for him,” said Shaun Clark, Sr., Shaun’s father.

For many of Shaun’s loved ones tonight was one step closer to getting closure.

“It means everything. It overwhelms me with so much joy to see everyone come together for his parents and for him,” said Marsha Beezley, Shaun’s neighbor.

Shaun’s father says the community’s support uplifts his spirits, but the loss of Shaun is still raw for the family.

The healing process for them includes focusing their energy on a movement in Shaun’s honor: they’re starting a skateboard helmet drive to spread the message that helmets save lives.

“It shouldn’t be a persona that you’re not tough or cool if you’re wearing a helmet.,” Shaun Clark, Sr. said. “If it saves one child, if it makes a difference in one family that doesn’t have to go through this, then it’s all worthwhile.”