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The memorial honoring Garrett Elders outside Sigma Chi fraternity house has grown as UNM community members came to pay their respects. By Wednesday evening, the memorial was surrounded by flowers and candles, commemorating the life of Elders, who died earlier this week.

Sigma Chi, community remember Garrett Elders

Garrett Elders will be remembered by his family and friends as a loving son, an outstanding student and a loyal friend and fraternity brother.

Elders was found dead in his room at the Sigma Chi house late Tuesday night, members of Sigma Chi said.

Elders’ father, Kevin James Elders, said his son was wise and compassionate beyond his 19 years.

“Garrett is the shining star of my heart,” he said. “I can’t begin to express the depth of the sorrow my broken heart feels. Garrett impacted so many people’s lives in such a short time. The depth of his compassion, respect and honor to his fellow man was years above his actual age.”

UNM student and Sigma Chi member Frankie Gonzales said what stood out to him was Elders’ drive and enthusiasm.

“Garrett loved to talk,” he said. “He always wanted to talk to you. He had so much energy and was so interested in so many things. It’s just a tragedy. He had bright ideas and had so much to live for. He saw the world as a place that could be improved and he made it his personal mission to make it so.”

Garrett James Elders was born Oct. 14, 1992 in Amarillo, Texas. He graduated with honors in the top 8 percent of his class from Amarillo High School in May 2011. Elders studied finance at UNM, worked for the IT department as a comptroller and was an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Among other honors, Elders made the dean’s list and received the Amigo Scholarship.

Fellow fraternity member Adrian Avila said Garret Elders will be missed not just in the close circle of Sigma Chi, but all across campus.

“Garrett should be remembered for the impact that he has left on a great number of people on UNM’s campus,” he said. “And that is not just someone that is in Sigma Chi or the Greek Community, it is the entire University, including the alumni.”

Elders’ mother, Rhonda Hill, posted on DailyLobo.com that Sigma Chi members have been nothing short of extraordinary in their support of the family. Sigma Chi helped organize a candlelight vigil and memorial service, which will be held this weekend.

“He matured and grew in ways far beyond his years the short time he was (at Sigma Chi),” she said. “These young men have also been an incredible source of comfort and help for our family until we can be there on Saturday for the candlelight vigil they have organized and the memorial service on Sunday. I will forever be grateful for their outpouring of love and support.”

Kevin Elders said members of Sigma Chi were brothers to his son, and that he therefore considers them part of his family, too.

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“As much as the pain I feel in my heart for my son, I look forward to meeting each and every one of my new sons, as you were brothers to Garrett,” he said. “May God bless each and every one of you.
Lord keep us in your comfort in mind, body and soul.”

A candlelight vigil for Garret Elders will be held Saturday at 8 p.m. at the duck pond. The event is open to any who wish to attend. A Sigma Chi and family-only service will be held Sunday at the Alumni Chapel.

He is survived by Rhonda Hill and his stepfather, Marvin Hill; his father, Kevin, and stepmother, Alana Elders; his sisters Evany Reed and Michelle Jackson; and his brother Levi Elders.

Elizabeth Cleary and Svetlana Ozden contributed to this report.

Candlelight vigil to remember late UNM student Garrett Elders
Saturday
8 p.m.
Duck pond

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