VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – The family of 20-year-old Amarius Shivers is holding a balloon release and candlelight vigil for him on Saturday, November 9th.

Today, loved ones gathered to remember Shivers and deliver an important message to the community.

“Put down your weapons. This is my top priority to put the guns down, I can’t stress it enough. Put your weapons down. It’s not worth it, it’s true we’re grieving, but put the guns down,” said Jessica Kelley, Shivers’ aunt.

WALB previously reported that Shivers was accidentally killed in Valdosta on Monday, November 4thafter a group of teenagers were allegedly playing with a gun when it discharged and hit him.

Tina Shivers, the mother said, “Put down all the guns. All you kids don’t need them…we don’t need to grieve…we are losing too many of our teenagers to gun violence. Simple gunplay mistakes.”

In 2011, Tina Shivers laid her 3 children to rest after a house fire…WALB was there for this tragic first moment that left what she described as a hole in her heart.

Shivers said the reality of losing another child is unimaginable.

“This is the kind of thing you see on TV, you never see… I don’t know what to say because this is the fourth child I have to bury,” she said.

But she hopes her son’s death will be a wake-up call to teenagers and parents, using the balloon release as an opportunity for community leaders, former and current officers, to speak to young people.

Sabrina Smith, community leader and pastor, said: “We can’t afford you to die young… you are a legacy to everyone in your family. This generation.”

Demetria Lane, who says she is the mother of the 15-year-old who allegedly shot Shiver, was also present.

“We moms and dads need to wake up,” Lane said.

As the Shivers prepare to lay Amarius to rest his mother and sister said they will remember his smile and laughter.

Shivers said, “His smile gets everyone.”

“He was actually laughing at us when we weren’t,” said Amarianna Hollis, Sora.

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