OGDEN, Utah — October 8, 2025 —
The front steps of Ben Lomond High School glowed softly on Wednesday night, bathed in candlelight and tears. Hundreds of students, parents, and neighbors stood shoulder to shoulder, holding one another as they mourned the loss of 16-year-old Mason Caballero — a boy remembered for his laughter, kindness, and the warmth he brought to every heart he touched.
Mason was fatally shot near his high school earlier this week, a tragedy that has shaken the Ogden community to its core. But on this night, grief gave way to love — the love of friends who grew up with him, of teachers who believed in him, and of family members who cherished every moment they had.
He was only 16, but he left behind a legacy that will live far beyond his years.
A Gathering of Love and Light
As the sun dipped below the horizon, hundreds gathered at the school’s entrance, forming a circle of light in Mason’s honor. Candles flickered in the autumn air as his favorite songs played softly in the background. Balloons in red and white — his school colors — drifted skyward, carrying with them whispered prayers and tearful goodbyes.
“It’s hard. It’s so hard. I don’t know what to do anymore. I loved that kid,” said Jackson Payne, Mason’s older brother, his voice breaking as he addressed the crowd. “It still doesn’t feel real. I woke up today in hopes that everything would change. Nothing changed.”
The vigil fell silent for a moment as those words settled over the crowd — raw, painful, and true. Jackson’s birthday, the very day his younger brother lost his life, will now forever mark a different kind of memory — one no family should ever have to bear.
The Boy Everyone Knew and Loved
Those who knew Mason say he had a gift for making people smile. Whether it was cracking a joke in the hallway, helping a friend through a tough day, or showing up when someone needed him most, Mason had a way of making everyone feel seen.
“He was just the kind of person you wanted to be around,” said Samantha Ruiz, one of his classmates. “He was funny, but he also had this big heart. If you were upset, he was the first to notice. He’d find a way to make you laugh again.”
Mason loved basketball, music, and spending time with his family. His teachers describe him as a bright student with a curious mind and an easy smile — the kind of kid who made school days lighter just by being there.
“He had this spark,” one teacher shared quietly. “The kind that made you believe he was going to do something great in life. He just had that energy — that light.”
A Family’s Unimaginable Loss
For Mason’s family, the pain of his loss is indescribable. His mother, surrounded by loved ones at the vigil, wept softly as friends embraced her. His brother Jackson stood beside her, holding her hand as candles glowed at their feet.
“This family has been through something no one should ever go through,” said a family friend. “They’ve lost a son, a brother, a best friend. But they’re also surrounded by so much love tonight — love that Mason gave freely every single day.”
The tragedy of losing Mason on his brother’s birthday makes the grief even harder to bear. Yet amid the heartbreak, the family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support that has filled their days since the shooting. “He was loved by so many,” Jackson said. “We see that now more than ever.”
A Community United in Sorrow
In the wake of Mason’s death, the Ogden community has rallied together — determined to remember him not for how his life ended, but for how beautifully he lived it.
Dozens of Mason’s classmates organized the vigil, creating posters, photo boards, and a large banner that read, “Forever in Our Hearts, Mason.” Flowers, sports jerseys, and handwritten letters now cover the steps of the high school, forming a memorial that grows by the hour.
Local pastors and school counselors stood among the crowd, offering comfort to grieving students. Parents held their children closer, whispering reminders to be kind, to stay safe, and to cherish every moment.
Seeking Justice and Healing
Police have confirmed that the investigation into Mason’s death is ongoing. As of Wednesday, no suspect has been identified or taken into custody. Authorities say they are reviewing surveillance footage and following up on leads in hopes of finding the person responsible.
In the meantime, the Ogden Police Department has increased patrols near schools and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
While justice remains uncertain, one thing is clear: the community refuses to let Mason’s memory fade into silence.
Remembering Mason’s Light
As the vigil drew to a close, hundreds of voices softly sang “Amazing Grace.” Some cried quietly; others closed their eyes and whispered their goodbyes. When the final note faded, a group of Mason’s closest friends released a cluster of white balloons into the darkening sky.
Each balloon carried a message written in marker — words like “I love you, Mason,” “You’ll always be with us,” and “Fly high, brother.”
For a few minutes, the crowd watched as the balloons rose higher and higher, until they were just small dots against the stars.
“He’s up there now,” one student said, looking toward the sky. “Still making us smile.”
A Legacy of Love
Mason Caballero was more than a student, more than a name in a headline. He was a friend, a brother, a son — a boy who loved to laugh, to dream, and to bring joy to the people around him.
He will be remembered for his humor, his kindness, and his enormous heart. His light — though dimmed far too soon — continues to shine through those who knew and loved him.
“Mason had this way of reminding you what really mattered,” said his teacher. “He was joy in motion. That’s how I’ll remember him — pure, unfiltered joy.”
Rest in Peace, Mason
As the candles flickered and the crowd slowly dispersed into the night, one message lingered in the air — simple, powerful, and filled with love:
“We’ll carry you with us, Mason. Always.”
Rest in peace, Mason Caballero. Your light will never fade.