Candlelight vigil to honor Jordan High student killed in tragic stabbing incident

SANDY, Utah ( ABC4 ) — A candlelight vigil is being held tonight, Aug. 25, to honor the life of Kian Hamilton, a 16-year-old Jordan High School student who was killed in a stabbing on Friday.

Hamilton’s vigil will take place at 8:30 p.m. by the Jordan High tennis courts. Candles will reportedly be provided.

Sandy City Police said officers were dispatched to a fight in progress in a parking lot on South State Street Friday night. Police and fire officials arrived at the scene and confirmed that a juvenile — later identified as Hamilton — had been stabbed.

Hamilton was taken to the hospital where he later died. A suspect, who police said was also a juvenile, was located and taken into custody.

“There are several complexities with this investigation due to the ages of those involved and directly affected,” police said in a press release Saturday. “We, Sandy Police, are working closely with Canyons School District as the victim was a Jordan High School student.”

Police said the case is active and ongoing.

Resources for affected students

Jordan High School’s campus was open to students for grief counseling and other resources yesterday, Aug. 24, including the opportunity to meet with counselors, psychologists, and social workers.

“Unexpected events like death can be difficult and, like adults, our students express emotions by grieving,” a letter from Jordan High School stated.

School officials have urged parents and guardians to watch for signs of grief in their children, including changes in their normal behavior or an inability to sleep. They also said to help children overcome grief by answering a child’s questions honestly and letting them talk about their fears and feelings.

Students, parents, and guardians are reminded that the Canyons Family Center at Mount Jordan Middle School offers free services if students need additional help with processing grief. The center can be reached by phone at 801-826-8190.

A GoFundMe has been created by Hamilton’s family to help cope with the loss of their son.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.