MEMPHIS, Tennessee — On Monday night, loved ones gathered for a prayer vigil in honor of Tyre Nichols. His father called for justice for his murdered son.
The vigil took place at the intersection where Tyre fled from Memphis police officers before ultimately losing his life.
The vigil's focus was on what he meant to those who knew him best and how his death is being felt across the country.
"You know when you corrupt policemen beat a Black man, we're all beaten," said one speaker at the prayer vigil. "Our inward man is beaten, the Black man's self-esteem is beaten, his dignity is beaten."
Rodney Wells, Tyre's step-father who has previously said the public may as well "leave the 'step' out of it", shared how hard this loss has been for him.
"This is very difficult. Losing a son is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life," Wells said. "To stand up here every day and try to put on this face is difficult, but we have to do it."
Wells also addressed rumors about his son having a relationship with one of the officers' exes at FedEx, where Tyre worked. He called them untruthful.
Tyre's funeral is set for Wednesday at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. Reverend Al Sharpton is scheduled to deliver the eulogy.