California Thunder softball player honored at candlelight vigil

FONTANA, Calif. (KABC) -- It was an emotional night Sunday as many people gathered at a candlelight vigil held for 15-year-old softball player Dana Housley, who died after suffering a brain aneurysm during a game.

Strangers, friends and family, including Dana's parents and siblings, were all united in their grief and remembered the young girl who was full of life and always smiled.

"Just all my friends, all my family, even the random people they showed how many people she touched, even through the small things, through laughter, she was the funniest girl I knew," her brother Hunter Housley said.

The 15-year-old California Thunder softball player suffered a brain aneurysm while she was up to bat during a travel tournament at Veterans Park in Fontana on May 23.

On Sunday, people said she was a player who was dedicated to the game she loved, a game she dreamed of playing in college.

"She was just a great person. She always had a big smile on her face. She was always having a big laugh, always, and a great player," friend Darlene Gutierrez said.

As devastating as Dana's death has been, her friends and family said they take comfort in knowing her spirit lives on as an organ donor and that she's helped others.

Hunter said he would never forget his sister and that she was a great person. Her parents said the support they've received, especially from the softball community, has meant so much to them.

Dana's funeral will be on Friday.