Classmates remember Jonathan Gray

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - His former Holyoke High School classmates remembered Jonathan Gray, affectionately known as Jonno.

The 2011 Holyoke High School graduate and University of Massachusetts freshman died suddenly last week. He was 18 years old.

His high school classmates held a ribbon drive Monday to raise money for a fitting award honoring this popular athlete and band member.

They told 22News Jonno was truly a beloved person. “It's been 72 hours of shock. It broke my heart seeing him go. We had a lot of memories together.”

These young people who had graduated with Jonno this past spring hope to sell hundreds if not thousands of purple ribbons in honor of their friend and classmate.

At six o'clock Monday night they'll lead a candlelight vigil at the Holyoke High School Football Field bleachers..

If you'd like to know how to purchase a purple ribbon for the Jonathan Gray award, email jongraymemorialaward@gmail.com.