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Christian Aguilar honored at memorial service

Aguilar Service Mixdown 1

The search for University of Florida student Christian Aguilar is over.

A memorial service was held Monday at the St. Augustine Church for the 18-year-old freshman, whose remains were positively identified that day. About 150 people attended the event.

Christian's father, Carlos Aguilar, thanked the people who helped search for his son throughout the weeks he was missing.

"My son is blessed by the amount of people that came out and searched for him," he said.

He said his prayers for finding his son have been answered, but that he is left with insecurities about the safety of the rest of his family.

Once he and his family have had time to cope, Aguilar said, they will begin seeking justice for Christian's death.

UF President Bernie Machen spoke at the event, as did Vice President for Student Affairs Dave Kratzer.

Dean of the College of Engineering Cammy Abernathy also spoke. Christian was a biomedical engineering major during his time at UF.

At the end of the service, the lights in the church were turned off and people held candles in memory of Christian.

Katherine Hahn edited this story online.

Elizabeth is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.