Hundreds gather to remember and celebrate the life of Madchen Sloan

The Tupelo man was shot and killed early Tuesday morning.

During the vigil, tears were shed, hearts were heavy, and there was also laughter and love sprinkled in as family and friends reminisced on the good times they shared with Sloan.

Balloons were released and candles were lit illuminating light, quite fitting to how loved ones describe the 21-year-old.

Sloan was remembered as a fun, loving, and outgoing person who never met a stranger.

Around one o’clock Tuesday morning, police were called out to the 1500 block of Leighton Drive.

According to police, when they arrived, Sloan was found dead from a gunshot.

WCBI spoke with the alleged shooting involved in the incident, he called the shooting accidental.

Family members said they’re leaning on their faith in the Lord to get them through this tough time.

“Accidents happen, I feel like it was an accident because my son tells me that he’s good,” said Tara Sloan, Madchen’s mother. “He says, mama, I’m good, it was an accident. I try to think from the spiritual side at all times. He’s with God. God got to me, the best flower out the bunch that’s in his garden. My boy is good. I’m good, so me and my son we’re just going to ride it out as a team and continue to look towards with hill for which comes our help, because I already know all of my help comes from above.”

The home-going service for Sloan will take place this Saturday at New Bethel Church in Plantersville.

The viewing of the body will take place from 11 a.m. until noon and services will begin at one o’clock.

At this time the Tupelo Police Department is labeling this as a death investigation.

We will continue to follow this developing story and bring you more information as it becomes available.