Family and friends sent up a prayer Friday night for the teenager whose body was discovered by a Chula Vista road.
Emotions overflowed at the vigil for Anthony Hofer, 17, an Olympian High School student. Mourners in black gathered where Hofer died, released black balloons in his honor and circulated the hashtag #blackforTony on social media.
“I love him and will miss him a lot and I’m always going to be thinking about him,” said Alex Contreras. “He’ll always be my best friend.”
A jogger discovered the teen’s body on the side of Heritage Road near Sleep Train Amphitheater Thursday – a path Hofer walked often, his friends say. It was just five minutes from his home.
Chula Vista Police said the cause of Hofer’s death was not apparent, so they are waiting for the results of an autopsy for answers. Investigators did say he had trauma on his face and parts of his body, and he had no shoes or socks on when he was found.
“They have taken one of my borrowed babies,” said family friend Kim Gonzales. “They’re a coward for leaving. Not only was it my borrowed baby, he was everyone’s borrowed baby.
At this time, police are calling this a death investigation and are hoping witnesses come forward with any information.
