Nykim Young was a 15-year-old boy who should have been starting his summer, but the student and son was being mourned instead.

On Thursday night, about 40 people gathered at the edge of Onondaga Park, near the intersection of Rich and Marginal streets. They built a vigil where Nykim’s body was found the night before.

“We grew up together. Every day of my life. So losing him is like losing one of my own,” said Hasahn Bloodworth.

Bloodworth is Nykim's cousin and one of the founders of RebirthSYR.

“He loved the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Every time he saw me, he would say something about what I was doing, and he’s so proud of me, and could he come to one of my marches. I always told him to finish school, and after school, you can march. Unfortunately, he never got to do that, and now, we’re here for him and it’s sad,” said Bloodworth.

Nykim’s cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and parents spoke of him as a respectful child with dreams and aspirations — like all children.

Nykim is the fourth child to become a homicide victim in Syracuse this year.

Groups like Rebirth, BLM, OGs Against Gun Violence, Street Addiction Institute and SNUG had a presence throughout the evening.

Some had personal experience with losing loved ones to gun violence.

“This day just brings back memories from last year, June fifth. My brother, Tre’Jan Sales, was murdered, so it opened up another wound, but I’m here to support my community,” said SNUG outreach worker Tayonda Estrada.

Mourning Nykim was unthinkable for everyone present. And they want to make sure it’s impossible for other families in the future.

“It’s just ripping us apart bit by bit every time we lose one of our teenagers, or our young people. We had a 16-year-old, 15-year-old, 14-year-old and 11-month-old. This is getting out of hand,” said Bloodworth.

Syracuse police continue investigating the shooting that claimed the life of Young, who lived in Syracuse and went to city schools.

Just after 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, officers responded to a call for shots fired near the intersection of Rich Street and Marginal Street, where they discovered Young. He was shot in the upper chest and pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222.

All calls are confidential.