Raymond Trent, 80, Vero Beach

‘The heartbeat of SRHS’ – Family, friends remember Billy Wilson

SEBASTIAN — Billy Wilson's impact on the community over the years was evident Saturday as family, friends, coaches, school board members and deputies gathered to pay final respects. "He was a man of integrity. He was the pulse, the heartbeat of Sebastian River High School," the school's principal Christopher Cummings said. "He was my mentor. He took me under his wing and taught me about the power of developing trustworthy relationships and leadership skills." Wilson, a former assistant principal at Sebastian River High School and sports coach, died unexpectedly from health-related issues Oct. 13 at his home in Winter Beach. He was 57 years old. Wilson's death also came less than a month after the passing of his father, William ...

‘Tragic, sudden loss,’ – Memorials emerge for teen killed in ATV crash

With the sudden death of Sebastian River High School student Jake Beecher still fresh, family, friends, teammates and coaches continue to come to terms with the tragic crash that took his life. "He was well-liked by teammates and was extremely coachable. His coaches and teammates are taking it pretty hard," Sebastian River High School Athletic Director Jessica Upchurch said. "He was an overall good kid who had a passion for football." Family and friends created makeshift memorials for Beecher, 15, of Vero Beach, who relatives said aspired to be a pilot. Sebastian River High School dedicated Beecher, a sophomore, as "athlete of the week" following his death.   One memorial placed in front of the school campus had flowers, silver ...

Family, friends, marines honor ‘protector, hometown hero’

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Frank Strahorn was already considered a hero by his family, friends and marine brothers and sisters because of his military service around the world. Then, on June 19, the 34-year-old became a "hometown hero" after he was fatally shot while helping others escape a gunman carrying an AK-47 assault rifle at a Sebastian pizzeria. Tuesday, more than 100 people, including family, friends and the marine corps, attended the funeral service for Strahorn at Lakeside Fellowship Church in Vero Beach. "Frank you're my hero!" Strahorn's mother, Sandra Lea Stewart, of Sebastian, cried out after the service. Moments before the solemn service began, there was silence. A white hearse carrying Strahorn's flag-draped casket quietly pulled up at the ...