On September 9th, 2018, my hometown lost one of the most incredible, loving souls to ever cross our paths. Zac was a bright light that shined in the darkest of rooms. He could make anyone and everyone laugh and his smile were contagious.

I am so unbelievably grateful to have shared incredibly special memories with him, and I know he is up there hugging his father and watching over all of us.

Zac was my first boyfriend and with that title came a lot of the cringe-worthy, awkward moments a fourteen-year-old girl and fifteen-year-old boy can share.

Along with those memories are a lot of laughing, comfy hugs, chipotle and NBA Celtics games. I am forever grateful I was given the opportunity to grow close with Zac.

Despite our rocky high-school relationship, he taught me a lot about living and loving.

Following our break-up, Zac still remained an important friend in my life. We supported each other and each other's happiness knowing what happened was what was meant to be. I know he loved UMD and had created amazing memories with his fraternity brothers out there, all while maintaining his super close friendships from home.

He was a person who was constantly talking to someone and sharing stories, catching up or telling jokes.

Zac never stayed quiet and everyone who knew him knows he was a LOUD kid.

I still cannot believe that he has left this world so soon. All of my love is with his family and friends mourning this insane tragedy. His spirit will forever live on in our small town. Not a moment will pass where he won't be missed.

Thank you, Zac for sharing your heart all those years ago. I hope you and your dad are catching up on all your time lost. Rest easy.