COLUMBUS, Ohio — It’s been nearly two months since Franklin County Sheriffs’ Deputy Jason Meade shot and killed Casey Goodson Jr., and now Goodson’s family is celebrating the his birthday without him.

For Columbus resident Priya Sivagnanam, Goodson’s story is heartbreaking.

“I have siblings who are younger. I have friends that I care about that are close to his age, too, and if that would happen to any of the people I care about, I don’t know what I would do,” said Sivagnanam.

Pastor Michael Young was among the several speakers at the rally Saturday. He connected with the family right after Goodson’s death.

“I don’t believe a mother should ever have to bury someone that they birthed but the painful reality is that Tamala Payne has had to bury her son as today we celebrate his 24th birthday,” said Young.

Young said the number of people who gathered in below-freezing temperatures to celebrate Goodson’s birthday speaks to who he was.

“Casey lived a very positive life, as I said, he lived a positive life that created now a very painful loss but is also creating a powerful legacy,” Young said.

One he believes will continue to lead to reform, especially with police.

“I truly commend mayor for the leadership he demonstrated he supported us in protest,” Young said. “He supported these families in time of loss and made a difficult decision with Chief Quinlan.”