MEMPHIS, Tenn. — One week after her death, a Mid-South community came together to honor the life of Ellie Young, on the campus where she went to school, up until she was shot at Shelby Farms.
To call the evening of Oct. 27 somber would be an understatement, as classmates, teachers and loved ones lined the campus of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.
"Her passion was medicine, but her gift was people," said one of Young's classmates.
Dozens, if not hundreds stood where Young used to walk, sharing their closest and fondest memories of the Ripley native, the joy she brought to their lives and the determination she maintained.
“She was the kind of person that would make a real difference in other people’s lives just with the casual contact," said Dr. David LaVell, Young’s Former Teacher at UT Martin. "She felt like she had a purpose, and the purpose was to provide the best care she could.”
And as the candles would go out, one promise was made by Young's fellow classmates, to spread the sunshine she embodied.
"To know her was to love her. Though her passing has affected many in the community, she wouldn’t want us to dwell on this pain," said Young's sorority sister.
In her obituary, Young was remembered as a passionate individual who brought light and joy to those around her.
In a farewell to her Chi O sorority sisters, Young had written, "In the words of Winnie the Pooh, ‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.' As I take this next step in my journey, I carry with me the love, lessons and laughter that life has given me. So, this isn’t just a goodbye, it’s a thank you. Thank you for the joy, the support, for being my home away from home."
A GoFundMe was set up to help raise money for Young's funeral and memorial expenses.
The story behind Young's death
Jackson Hopper, 26, was the suspect involved in the shooting. SCSO says he fled the scene in a car which led officials on a multi-county high speed pursuit. The Dyer County Sheriff's Office (DCSO) confirmed that the suspect was arrested after a police chase ended in Dyer County.
Dyer County Sheriff Jeff Box said they have issued warrants for Jackson Hopper for attempted first-degree murder against a law enforcement officer, felony evading arrest in a vehicle, reckless driving and resisting arrest.
Hopper is charged with first-degree murder in Shelby County for the death of 22-year-old Ellie Claire Young. Hopper is also facing charges in Tipton County for numerous charges, including felony evading, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, reckless driving and resisting arrest.
Hopper is expected to have his bail hearing Oct. 28 after it was reset the week prior.