On a Tuesday in February, it looked like Friday Night Lights at Oakland Mills High School.
When Lawrence Aaron III played football at Oakland Mills High School his skills on the field filled up the stands.
On Tuesday hundreds came up out for the man he was off the field.
They called him Larry, L, or big brother.
He died protecting someone, and no one was surprised he did, that's just who he was.
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To his father Larry Aaron III, he was a young man making his parents proud.
"People gravitated towards him. He was a good kid man simple as that," said Aaronz
A fierce competitor as a Div. 1 Tackle for the Marshall Thundering Herd, it was his love of people that made so many call him a gentle giant.
"He was a big brother," said Toni Hopkins whose son was Larry's good friend. "Big brother to everybody and he just had the biggest heart. You walk out the grocery store and you were carrying bags he would stop what he was doing and carry the bags for you."
The 19-year-old was shot by a stray bullet at a New Years Eve Party, he jumped in front of his girlfriend.
He was doing what he always does protecting someone else.
"We have felt so much love for our son," his father said. "As a father and a mother as my wife is we're very proud but we're sad at the same time."
Larry was paralyzed for nearly two months before passing away on February 22.
Now the man that looked out for so many has an entire community looking out for his family.
"I asked him to keep an eye on my daughter when she was in high school and he said he would," said Daniene Wilson. "He's a good kid very loving caring would watch out for people."
A night to honor a giant among men.
"Just keep telling everybody just to keep thinking about that big smile and big heart he had," said Hopkins. "That's all we can do to keep us going."
He was busy with athletics playing football baseball and basketball. His father was presented with his varsity jersey from all three sports.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
A Gofundme has been set up to help his family with expenses. CLICK HERE for more details.
