KENDALL, N.Y. — Friends, neighbors and family gathered Sunday in Kendall to remember Joan and RJ Gillman, the mother and son who died in their Kendall apartment on April 18.

Authorities say the Gillman’s died of carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of a generator operating inside of a garage beneath their apartment. 

The district attorney says the generator ran for 17 hours after the power was shut off to their unit.

“It’s tough,” said relative Paulette Gillman on Wiley’s arrest. “Their friends of family—this whole thing sucks.”

Pastor Steven Meyer of Concordia Lutheran Church says the town and school district has experienced nine deaths in eight months.

“It’s all has been a bit much,” said Pastor Meyer.

Candles were lit during the vigil in memory of all who died suddenly from car accidents to suicides.

With a graduating class of 60 students and population of around 2,500, the recent losses are staggering, Meyer said.

The property manager, David Wiley, is now being held responsible and charged with two counts of criminally negligent homicide and two counts of reckless endangerment.