The Romulus community is still reeling from the death of Romulus-native Trevor Irby, 25. Irby was one of the victims of the recent mass shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California.
His family and friends gathered at Covert Funeral Home in Ovid to say their final goodbyes.
A tribute to Irby was put up on a sign along the road in Romulus, reading just his first name, “Trevor.”
“As a parent, there is absolutely no way you can escape not feeling for Trevor’s family,” said Connie Pell, who lives in Ovid.
Although she never met Irby or his family, she says that it’s startling how close to home the tragedy has hit.
Funeral arrangements announced for Seneca County man killed in California shooting
Funeral arrangements have been announced for the Seneca County man killed in a shooting at California’s Gilroy Garlic Festival.
Trevor Irby, 25, was one of three people killed, including a 6-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, when a 19-year-old opened fire at the popular food festival on July 28.
Irby, a Romulus native, was a 2012 graduate of the Romulus Central School District and a 2017 graduate of Keuka College.
The calling hours will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 6 and Aug.7 at the Covert Funeral Home in Ovid.
The funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Aug. 8 at the Romulus Central School auditorium.
Parents of Keuka College grad killed in shooting mourn, remember their son
The parents of a Keuka College graduate who was shot and killed at a food festival in California are remembering their son.
Trevor Irby’s parents flew to California to bring his body home. He was one of three people killed in Sunday’s mass shooting in Gilroy.
His parents are emotionally distraught over his death, saying they want their son to be remembered as kind.
His death has brought back painful memories of when they lost their oldest son 25 years ago.
“Angels come, and they stay a short while, do their job and go home,” said Tammy Williams, Trevor’s mother. “Because now, they are together. It’s been 25 years since my first son died, and now my son at 25 is gone.”
“What upsets you the most? It’s senseless,” said Teddy Williams, his father. “There is no reason for stuff like this to happen. For a 19-year-old kid to go in and have a rampage or whatever you want to call this thing that he had, why?”
Community remembers Romulus native killed in California shooting
A stunningly dark day in Seneca County.
Trevor Irby, a 2012 graduate of Romulus High School, and 2017 graduate of Keuka College was identified as one of the victims in the tragic shooting at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California.
A GoFundMe was setup for Irby and his family on Monday. His best friends from college set up the fund, which raised more than $5,000 as of 9 p.m.
“On July 28th, 2019, Trevor Irby was wrongfully taken from his family and friends at the age of 25. While living in Santa Cruz with his girlfriend Sarah, they attended the Gilroy Garlic Festival. Trevor was an unfortunate victim of the mass shooting that occurred at the Garlic Festival that day,” Steven Wyrosdick, said in a message on GoFundMe.
Trevor Irby and Sarah Warner, who were together at the festival in California. Source: Facebook
Wyrosdick was one of Irby’s closest friends. “This GoFundMe is being set up in memory of Trevor for his family, to help offset some of the costs of both his funeral and any further funding related to this event,” he added. “Trevor was a brother, a son, a grandson, a boyfriend, a best friend and a bright light to all who knew him. Trevor was an excellent pillar of the Keuka College & Romulus communities and a kind & positive soul. Trevor will forever live on in the memory of his loved ones.”
Beyond monetary donations – Wyrosdick and others asked that positivity and memories be shared. On Monday, memories and positivity poured out onto social media as classmates, friends, acquaintances and local officials remembered Irby.
Keuka College President Amy Storey shared the sadness that the entire community felt following the news that Trevor was a victim of the senseless tragedy.
“It is with profound sadness that I share the devastating news that a member of the Keuka College family was among the victims of the mass shooting over the weekend in California,” she explained. “Our hearts go out to Trevor’s family and loved ones. We also send sincere condolences to College alumna Sarah Warner, who was with Trevor at the California garlic festival where the shooting took place. We were relieved to learn that Sarah was not physically injured in the shooting. We offer our support and prayers to Sarah and her family.”
Keuka officials plan to hold a vigil on campus for those alumni, students, faculty, staff, and community members who knew Trevor and who know Sarah can join in fellowship and reflection.
“It just defies everything you can imagine,” one former classmate said as word spread that one of the victims of the shooting in California was local. “You can’t imagine that you knew the person who was killed. It’s just a stunningly dark, sad moment for everyone.”
Romulus superintendent Marty Rotz said he first learned of Trevor’s tragic death through social media. Even though he graduated seven years ago, Rotz said Trevor isn’t a face you forget.
“He was a great friend,” said Rotz. “Never mean, never malicious, always caring. His smile, his laugh, you can still hear him and if you knew him you’d never forget him.”
Trevor did it all. A three-sport athlete, prom king, a member of the Nation Honor Society and drama club to name a few.
“The students intermingled everyday..kindergartners all the way up to 12th grade. Trevor was one of those types of role models that younger kids looked up to,” said Rotz.
The Romulus Central School District issued the following statement:
“Trevor Irby is a 2012 graduate of the Romulus Central School. The school community of Romulus is deeply saddened to hear of Trevor’s tragic death at the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California. All of our thoughts and prayers go out to Trevor’s family & friends as well as the many families who are suffering from this horrible tragedy.
Trevor was a multi-sport athlete, member of the drama club, band and friend to everyone he knew here in Romulus. Although his path had taken him far from home, he was still close to many of his classmates and is missed by everyone. Trevor was the type of student who could bring joy, laughs, and comfort to everyone he met. We are proud of his accomplishments from Romulus, Keuka College, and his most recent endeavors during his time in California. On behalf of everyone at our school, our hearts go out to all the victims of this tragedy and we pray for peace and hope to come to all involved. “
Editor’s Note: We will publicize dates and times of all public remembrances scheduled in Trevor’s honor. Please note that the shooters name will not be published under any circumstances on FingerLakes1.com.
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