Hubbard mourns Cody Pitts in high school gym today

Staff report

HUBBARD

Sun broke through for the first time in days Wednesday and, while most communities embraced the warmth and light, hundreds here spent their afternoon in the Hubbard High School gymnasium mourning a death.

Cody Pitts, 26, who spent his high school years sporting No. 86 as a member of the blue-and-white Eagles football team, was shot and killed Saturday morning on Orchard Avenue. The homicide marks the first in Hubbard since the 1990s.

“Just look at the day,” said Police Chief Jim Taafe as he greeted visitors at the entrance way. “It’s 4 o’clock, the sun is out, and there are people snaked through the halls of this building. It’s such a tragedy.”

Friends, family and even strangers gathered by the dozens and paraded through the archway that precedes the gymnasium to show their support for a “solid person” with a “big heart.” Each filed into a long line that led to the Eagles’ Nest basketball court, where Pitts spent many evenings as a student. A collage of pictures reminded visitors of his happy nature.

Everyone greeted everyone by first name, sharing handshakes and offering sympathies.

The young man’s death left people in this tight-knit community wondering how such a thing could happen here.

Read more about the service in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.