Balloon release honors Amanda Plasse

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - Friends and family of 20-year-old Amanda Plasse, who was murdered in her Chicopee apartment six months ago, gathered at Ray Ashe Park Sunday afternoon for a special tribute.

The last photo taken of Amanda, she took herself on her iPhone at 1 o'clock, August 26th, standing outside her apartment on School Street. Three hours later, Amanda was found stabbed to death.

It's the same picture that's engraved on Amanda's headstone. She's buried in a cemetery next to Ray Ashe Park in Chicopee where she played soccer growing up. Her friends and family gathered Sunday to remember Amanda, a curly-haired free spirit who loved photography, music, tattoos and her trademark sunflowers. "I think that's the way Amanda kind of lived her life. She didn't worry about the mistakes or the past that was behind her. She just kind of moved forward and kept her face to the sun, much like the sunflower does," said her mom Michelle Mathieson.

It was a day for smiles, and for tears as Chicopee detectives are still exploring every possible lead. The Plasse family remains hopeful for answers, hoping for justice and hoping that wherever she is, Amanda is smiling down on them.

"I'm sure she would cry. Because to think that all of these people are out here for her would just overwhelm her," said Dorrice Deyette, Amanda's great aunt.

"Oh, she's smiling. She's smiling down. I know she is," said Mathieson, "all these people, all the balloons, the kids, it's just a beautiful day in Chicopee.

If you have any information regarding Amanda's murder you're asked to contact Chicopee Police.

Video of balloon released submitted via Report It from Sara Kindness.