SIKESTON, Mo. (KFVS) - Family and friends gathered in Sikeston on Monday to remember a teenager who died in a shooting last week .

A balloon release was held to honor the young victim.

The victim’s mother gave us permission to share the his name: 14-year-old Kloin Taylor.

The family told us they wanted his name to be shared to honor his memory.

“This hurt is the worst hurt in the world.”

That is just how anti-gun violence advocate Laurie Mitchell described the balloon release for Kloin.

It is a pain Mitchell knows all too well, as she also lost her son to gun violence.

“This is the worst thing to ever go through: losing a child. I don’t wish this on nobody,” she said.

Mitchell said when tragedy like this affects the community, it is important now more than ever to educate parents

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