The Loyola community gathered in the Horseshoe late Sunday evening, Jan. 24 to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Chance Briant, music industry studies senior.

The vigil began with a few words by those who knew him followed by a second line, led by his twin brother Destin Briant, visual arts senior, and his parents, J.C. and Debbie Briant. The second line walked through Loyola’s campus and ended in the Peace Quad.

In an email sent to the Loyola community, it was announced that Chance Briant died on Monday, Jan. 18 in his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana. The service was also in his hometown and was held on Jan. 22.

Lydia Kolda, music industry studies senior, knew Briant since their freshman year and were in the band Squirrel Queen together.

“Chance was one of the best friends I’ve ever been lucky enough to have. I don’t need to tell you how amazing he was, but I will. He was so amazing,” Kolda said, “We held each other up when we both struggled with confidence. I needed him. We were meant to be friends.”

John Snyder, chair of the music industry department, spoke at the vigil. Kolda described him as a mentor and a second father to Briant.

“Chance was an amazingly creative kid. His last name is Briant and that means ‘brilliant’ in French and he was brilliant. He was a very funny guy. He was also extremely creative and loved helping other people,” Snyder said.

Snyder said he believes there are many things to be learned from this.

“The tragedy of Chance was that he couldn’t love himself as much as others loved him, and it’s a level of insecurity that was beyond normal. He was in great pain and he had a mental illness that made it impossible for him to be here. I think the resolution we have to make is to be there for each other, look out for each other, and be more aware of somebody else’s difficulties and see what you can do to counteract it,” Snyder said.

Destin Briant believes that part of grieving is understanding how each other mourn.

“We’ve all suffered a loss and if you didn’t know Chance, I think you feel the energy of what’s happened. He’s going to be dearly missed and the only way we’re going to get through this is if we take it moment by moment and understand that nobody knows what each other is going through and we’re grieving differently. At least we have his art to remember him by,” Destin Briant said.

Destin Briant has asked the Loyola community to be respectful and not spread or create any false facts or information about his family and give the Briant family their privacy.

Debbie Briant feels that even though this loss occurred, that it was not because anybody did anything wrong.

“Chance was loved. He had a good family, he had lots of friends, but for whatever reason, he couldn’t hear it. He couldn’t love himself and I don’t know why. But I want the Loyola community to know, you did nothing wrong and there was nothing more you could’ve done. You showed him love, you showed him support, and you showed him encouragement,” Debbie Briant said.

Snyder also believes that if there’s one thing to take from this great loss, it is hope.

“Chance was a loving person and he changed everyone he came in contact with. That’s kind of strange when you think about it; 21-year-old kid having that kind of impact, but the fact is that we all have an impact. Every individual has the opportunity to affect the world in a positive way, and so I think we have set ourselves a goal to do that,” Snyder said.

Gallery • 3 Photos

John Snyder, music industries professor, says a few words at the candle light vigil held in the horseshoe for Chance Briant, who passed away on Jan 18. The vigil included a second line lead by his twin brother Destin on fiddle.