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Kalamazoo shooting victim Tyler Smith honored at Mattawan graduation ceremony

Posted at 10:19 PM, May 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-26 22:22:46-04

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Tyler Smith, the youngest victim killed in the Feb. 20 mass shooting in Kalamazoo, was honored Thursday during the Mattawan High School graduation ceremony.

Rich and Tyler Smith

Rich and Tyler Smith

Smith's photo was shown on the stage during the ceremony at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium.  His cousin David accepted his diploma in his honor.

Those in the crowd say it was a moving ceremony, and a bittersweet way to pay tribute to their classmate.

"Definitely bittersweet knowing that he's not here to celebrate with us," said graduate Bradley Reinoehl.  "He was a member of the 2016 class family."

Six people were killed and two others were injured in the shooting spree.  Tyler Smith and his father Rich Smith were shot and killed while looking at cars at the Seelye Kia dealership in Kalamazoo.