Community Holds Memorial Vigil for Trey Erwin

(Collierville, TN) A teenager who inspired the entire Mid-South with his strength in fighting pancreatic cancer has died.

15-year-old Trey Erwin was on a family vacation last week, with the help of the Make-a-Wish Foundation. 

But family friend Hollee Lott said, “He just started not feeling well, and from there ended up being flown to St. Jude.”

Within days, his mother posted on a website that Trey’s body had start to shut down. On Thursday, she announced his passing.

Lott spoke on behalf of the family on Thursday.

“Trey chose to follow Jesus and follow him into heaven, and we know he’s fully looking at the face of God right now,” she said.

She added that the family is “very grateful, as are all of his friends, for all the prayers and the outpouring of love from the community.”

Thursday afternoon, Mayor A C Wharton tweeted, “Our deepest condolences go to the family & friends of Trey Erwin. His courage and strength will continue to inspire us.”

Chris Wallace, the Grizzlies’ general manager, had at one time auctioned court side seats to help the family.

“Just a wonderful young man, terrific smile, great demeanor, and that he’s no longer with us is truly a sad, sad day,” Wallace said.

It was perhaps more upsetting because friends were hoping Trey would at least see his 16th birthday, on July 31st.

When asked what they would tell Trey, neighbor Madison Luna said, “Thank you for all that he has done for the people in our lives.”

Friends spoke of his unshakeable faith and positive spirit.

Football teammate Corbin Peeper said he had just visited Trey at St. Jude Thursday morning. 

By night, he was among almost 200 people lighting candles in Trey’s memory.

“For something to happen to a kid like that, and the way he went about it, spreading God’s word, you know. Touched a lot of people,” he said.

Visitation for Trey Erwin will be on Saturday from 10am-1pm at Germantown Baptist Church, with services at 2pm.

The family requests any memorial donations to be made to Germantown Student Ministries, St. Jude or West Clinic.