Team Herald
PANJIM: The funeral service of a young Goan, Ethan Chanel Pereira, the unfortunate victim of a drive-by shooting in California, USA, last month, was held at St Cyprian Church, California, on Monday, followed by burial at Santa Clara Mission Cemetery, California.
Ethan’s parents Anunsya and Celio, sister Ember, grandparents, relatives, local parishioners and Goans living in California attended the funeral.
Twenty-year-old Ethan, hailing from Dramapur, Salcete, was killed in a random shooting at a drag racing event in Oakland-California on January 26. He was a spectator when the tragedy struck him.
In his homily, the priest said, “Ethan was a gift to us in many ways. He was a student and a faithful parishioner and was actively involved in parish altar service. He had the ability to touch lives with his simple art of kindness and gentle smile. To his family he was a source of joy and a pillar of strength. He represented his school in wrestling and had many achievements.”
Ethan’s mother Anunsya said, “He was only my son but my joy, my inspiration and my pride. Life without him will never be the same. He has left a hole that will never be filled. Ethan is certainly my angel in heaven.”