South Tahoe turns out to remember Alyssa Byrne

Huddled in the cold, more than 40 people somberly gathered at Lakeview Commons as the sun was setting Thursday. The flicker of candles symbolizing a life extinguished too soon.

Mary Gillespie wanted a way for those in South Lake Tahoe to pay their respects to Alyssa Byrne. The 19-year-old from Petaluma froze to death earlier this month after attending the SnowGlobe Music Festival on the ball field adjacent to Lake Tahoe Community College.

Mary Gillespie says a few words Jan. 17 in Alyssa Byrne’s memory. Photo/Kathryn Reed

Gillespie read words that had been said at Byrne’s memorial in Sonoma County on Jan. 12. Kevin Byrne had talked about the need for a buddy system in the wake of his daughter having separated from friends and being found alone.

Pink roses were laid out in a row on the embankment overlooking Lake Tahoe. Pink was the young woman’s favorite color. A poster board with a photo of Byrne had been created so people could express their thoughts.

One person wrote, “Even though you are lost, you are found forever in our hearts. – Love, Everyone.”

A coat drive for future SnowGlobe attendees will be part of the May 16 4pm bike parade through town. The Slow Rollers cycling group will give adult coats to the music festival organizers to hand out to those who don’t come properly attired, and the children’s jackets will be given to the local Boys & Girls Club.

 — Kathryn Reed