CRYSTAL RIVER, Florida — It breaks Michael Miller’s heart to know he won’t get a text message from his friend anymore.
“It’s like losing a family member,” Miller said. “I still don’t believe it all.”
To Miller, Chandler Stalcup was his role model. The two bonded after playing baseball together in Crystal River for years.
Now without Stalcup by his side, Miller is hoping to carry on his legacy by spreading kindness and helping those around him.
“Thank you for always being there for me,” Miller said. “I look up to him so much and just the way he carried himself on and off the field is so inspirational, and that’s the kind of person I want to be.”
Hundreds gathered at Crystal River High School’s Bramlett Stadium to honor Stalcup’s life and impact. Dubbed “One Last Night Under The Stars for Chandler Wyatt Stalcup,” family, friends and loved ones reminisced fond memories of the 18-year-old son.
From playing football and baseball locally to his time on the football team at Rocky Mountain College, where Stalcup was a freshman, to his vibrant personality, signature hair and fashion. There was no shortage of words describing Stalcup’s impact and no shortage of tears to process the grief.
“I’m appreciative of God granting me the opportunity to coach Chandler,” said Coach Cliff Lohrey, Stalcup’s high school football coach.
Stalcup died after loved ones said he got a call from a friend in need at a party in the late hours of Oct. 30. At some point while picking the friend up, Stalcup was shot and then died from his injuries. Two teenagers are now under arrest in relation to his death.
“When the call came from a friend in need, he was right where he has always been: Being a true friend,” said Mike Miller, Stalcup's former baseball coach of Stalcup.
Speakers, which also consisted of friends and coaches, praised Stalcup for his character. Those mourning his loss continue to ask why Stalcup was taken away so soon.
However, Stalcup’s legacy will live on. As an organ donor, loved ones said his donation will benefit seven people. Those in attendance vow to help those around them, just as Stalcup did throughout his life.
“Let’s all honor him by doing our best of being a true friend,” Mike Miller said. “That’s what he’d want us to do.”