Fans React to Wright's Memorial

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Fans from all over the Mid-South came to the FedExForum to mourn with Lorenzen Wright's family. He was remembered Wednesday as a man who touched the heart of everyone of his fans in some way.

In groups and individually, fans of Memphis native Lorenzen Wright came to the memorial service to pay their respects to the family.

"We're embracing them, we love them. We loved him while he was here and we love him continually, even as he's gone. We will celebrate him," said Sharon Coleman.

Many who showed up at the FedExForum on Wednesday afternoon didn't know Lorenzen personally. Out of respect and admiration for the Memphis native who climbed the basketball ranks here at home, they say they owed it to him.

"I was in LA and wow, I quickly got home, it was horrible, it was horrible," said Coleman.

Wright was found dead last Wednesday in a field in southeast Shelby County. Family members had reported him missing the week before. Police are still searching for his killer.

"A great loss, a great loss, a tragedy it is," said Coleman.

Some here, like former Memphis Mayor Willie Herenton, knew him personally, and considered him like a son.

"Of all the basketball players I know, Lorenzen's jersey was the only one I placed in City Hall. His was the only jersey who had a permanent place in City Hall," said Herenton.

Now, Lorenzen Wright has a permanent place in the hearts of so many who loved him- not only for his finesse on the floor, but the big heart he poured out into the city he loved so much.

"It's just a pleasure to be here to pay our respects to Lorenzen Wright," said Patricia Dupree.