Around 400 people said goodbye to Alex W. in Idar-Oberstein. The 20-year-old student was shot dead on September 18 at his workplace – a gas station.
Family and friends have remembered the killed petrol station cashier with a moving memorial ceremony in the exhibition hall in Idar-Oberstein. The stage was decorated with white and red roses. There was a large picture of Alex, framed by candles.
Lord Mayor: “Shocking act”
Mayor Frank Frühauf (CDU) said at the funeral service that the news of Alex’s violent death had caused great bewilderment, powerlessness, consternation and deep sadness in the entire population. “This night will stay in our memories forever.” Frühauf thanked the emergency services for their work.
“The shocking act stunned everyone and leaves society with great sadness and sadness – even beyond Idar-Oberstein.”
Mother: “Hate doesn’t get us any further in life”
In a moving speech, Alex W.’s mother thanked everyone who paid their last respects to her son. “Corona has somehow changed us all in one way. But I am glad that humanity has not fallen by the wayside.”
She was so overwhelmed and speechless about the huge sympathy. “The loving words, the wonderful cards, all the donations. Thanks for that.” The mother also thanked her family, the great friends, the best work colleagues and all the people who stood by their side during the bad hours and days.
“Hate only makes you bitter. Love has always been stronger than hate.”
“He would never have wanted everyone to be sad because of him,” said the mother. “It would not have been in his sense that innocent people were attacked, such as the family of the perpetrator. Because they are also only victims. These people have not pulled the trigger. Hatred does not get us any further in life. Hatred is only bitter . “
The mother appealed in her speech: “Do not take your life for granted. Make something of your life. Tell the people who are dear to you that you love them and are proud of them.”
“My angel, I will always love you and your name will never be forgotten.”
Barber sings at funeral service
For Benny Engel from Idar-Oberstein it was probably the hardest performance of his life. He sang at the memorial service. Like many people in Idar-Oberstein, he feels the same way. To this day, he cannot really understand the crime committed against the 20-year-old.
“It is an act that is so incomprehensible because it is completely pointless.”
Request from Alex W.’s family followed
Benny Engel is a full-time hairdresser – he also sings. A good friend of his mother’s asked him to sing two songs. He was supported by Daisy C. Black. She also lives in Idar-Oberstein. She sings part-time at weddings but also at funerals. There she felt how much comfort a festive setting can give people, says Black.
“I think this commemoration is very important for the family, but also for many Idar-Obersteiners. Here they have the opportunity to give space to their mourning.”
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City of Idar-Oberstein and family have planned a memorial service
The city of Idar-Oberstein organized the commemoration together with Alex W.’s family and friends. Because the student had a large group of friends, as many people as possible should have the opportunity to say goodbye to the 20-year-old.
“The family has expressed the wish to mourn Alex W. together with many people in one place. That is very important to them.”
Alex W. was shot dead in a gas station on September 18. Friends remember the 20-year-old with a graffito in Idar-Oberstein.
SWR
Photo Hosser
Discussion about corona mask in gas station
Alex W. worked as a cashier in a gas station in Idar-Oberstein. There he was shot dead on September 18 after he had made a customer aware of the mask requirement.
The suspect is a 49-year-old. The man had confessed to the fact, it was said. The alleged perpetrator testified that he rejects the corona measures. As for the motive, he stated that the situation of the corona pandemic was a heavy burden on him, said Chief Public Prosecutor Kai Fuhrmann.
Drank beer before the act
The suspect may have been under the influence of alcohol in the act. A spokesman for the Bad Kreuznach public prosecutor said that he had stated that he had consumed some beer before the act.