Community gathers to support Aguilar's family

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WSVN) -- A community is grieving as a body found last week has been positively identified as missing University of Florida student and Miami native Christian Aguilar.

"I thank God that this miracle happened. Otherwise, we would be wondering," said Aguilar's father, Carlos.

A candlelight vigil was held at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Gainesville, Monday evening. The community came together to support the Aguilar family, providing a light in the darkness. "Christian was missing for a time, but he can never be lost again," said University of Florida President, James Bernard Machen. "He is in our hearts, in our souls and his spirit will remain forever."

Volunteers and friends shed tears, as Carlos offered one last tribute. "As you can see, we came here with two shirts that say we are 'Gator dad' and 'Gator mom' because that's what Christian wanted for us," he said while fighting back tears.

The family now leans on the shoulders of a helpful community, trying to stay strong until they can bring the remains of their son back to South Florida.

Christian Aguilar, 18, was found Friday in the woods south of Gainesville by a pair of hunters.

Aguilar's friend, Pedro Bravo, remains in jail charged in his murder.

(Copyright 2012 by Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)