Families and friends of the 21 victims who died in a nightclub stampede gathered Saturday night to remember the 10th anniversary of the tragedy.
The group put crosses outside of the E2 nightclub for each of the victims killed and released heart-shaped balloons in their honor.
“I was really sad,” said Shawnice Brown, whose father died in the stampede. “I can’t see him every day when I wake up to go to school.”
Many victims were trapped and crushed after patrons rushed into the stairwell early Feb. 17, 2003 after a security guard used pepper spray to break up a fight inside the club.
One woman said the incident has altered her awareness in some situations.
“I look at things totally different,” said January Brown, whose lost her cousin in the event. “I’m scared. You’re supposed to be able to enjoy yourself [at parties].”
Former owners Dwain Kyles and Calvin Hollins were convicted to a two year sentence each in 2009 for failing to close the second floor of the building which was court ordered, but an appeals judge reversed the decision shortly after.
