A vigil attendee places an LED candle at the memorial for Luca Hanlon outside of the UMC on Nov. 5, 2026. (Photo by Pauline Rawson)
The message from CU Boulder vigil: 'None of us should be carrying this burden alone'
More than 300 CU students, staff and community members gathered on the CU Boulder campus on Thursday, Nov. 5 for a vigil to honor Luca Hanlon, a student who was killed on Halloween night, as well as all who have been affected by gun violence.
The vigil was filled with candlelight and a long moment of silence. Soon after, students were invited to leave flowers by the University Memorial Center.
Hanlon, a 19-year-old sophomore studying Media Production, was shot at a house party on Marine St. in the University Hill neighborhood late on Oct. 31.
Another victim was also shot and taken to the hospital; that person has been described as a 19-year-old studying information science at CU Boulder, but their name has not been made public. Police have charged an 18-year-old from Thornton in connection with the shooting.
The vigil was surrounded by those close to Hanlon. Moments of grief filled the air as students gathered to hear the CU Boulder choir sing and speeches from student government members.
CU Boulder freshman Isis Abraham attended the vigil.
“The least I can do is just come out here and, you know, honor a student that we lost,” Abraham said.
Rowan Hillhouse, CU Student Government body president of internal affairs, opened the vigil with a speech.
“None of us should be carrying this burden alone,” said Hillhouse. She later told the crowd that she had previously experienced gun violence in another community.
The vigil was a place to grieve and celebrate the life of a young man and mourn for the campus.
Chrissy Harrison, the assistant dean of strategic initiatives for the College of Communications, Media, Design and Information, attended the vigil to support students through this moment of grief.
“I am an alum, I am a parent of two CU grads, and I’m a lifelong Boulder resident. It’s really hard to see these types of things happen in our community,” said Harrison.
Harrison also spoke on the topic of grief and resources around campus to support students.
“Grief can take twists and turns. It’s not a linear journey. We have amazing resources on our campus, including CAPS and OVA, for our faculty and staff. We have the faculty and staff assistance program,” said Harrison.
Students were invited to stay as long as they wished after the vigil. Friends of Hanlon gathered by the flowers. Members of the community also were invited to write a message to Hanlon’s family to show sympathy during this time.
“Don’t isolate,” Harrison said. “Whatever you’re feeling is very normal.”
CU Boulder has many resources for students, including Counseling and Psychiatric Services, which has 24/7 support at 303-492-8855. The Office of Victim Assistance (open 24/7 at 303-492-2277) can address trauma-specific counseling and advocacy.
