Mourners light it up for Quinn at massive, moving vigil in Harbour Grace

A moving candlelight vigil was held at a soccer field in the Newfoundland town of Harbour Grace Thursday night for Quinn Butt, 5, four days after she died at her father's home in Carbonear in what police believe was a horrendous crime.

It was a night of poetry, music, prayer and love. A huge crowd, many wearing pink and purple and clutching balloons, filed onto the St. Francis soccer pitch to remember Quinn and offer support to her grieving family. 

Police have charged her father, Trent Butt, 37, with first-degree murder and arson, alleging he killed Quinn and then set the house on fire. The father remains in hospital.

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Harbour Grace Mayor Terry Barnes estimates that 2,500 people attended the vigil, during which Quinn's mother, Andrea Gosse, lit a candle and shared the flame with the crowd as a beacon of hope in her daughter's memory.

Much of the field was dotted with flickering lights as nightfall arrived, while balloons and Chinese lanterns were released into the sky as snowflakes began to descend.

Some people in the crowd were too choked up to talk when approached by reporters, but Lisa Stone-Drover, the mother of two small boys, made sure her message was heard.

"We just want them to know that we're going to be here a long, long time, forever and always for them," she said.

"As you can see tonight with everybody here, she'll never be forgotten. Always in our hearts."

Al Stacey from nearby Carbonear said many people can hardly speak of the tragedy because it's almost unimaginable.

"It's so upsetting. It's something we've never had to deal with before," said Stacy. "It's just an horrific loss."

Mourners came from far and wide, bolstering a groundswell of sympathy and support that has flourished online and on the street.

Many people hugged and shed tears, while others looked on in stoic silence as poems were read, songs sung and prayers offered.

They came from throughout Conception Bay North and beyond to hear organizers speak about Quinn as a "force to be reckoned with" during her short life.

Jennifer Baker said she was a princess in high heels and bows, but one who didn't hesitate to jump in the mud, skin her knees or pick up a hockey stick.

"Quinn was a loving daughter to her beautiful mommy, and a child who had one amazing extended family," said Baker.

"Quinn's light will live on forever in the hearts of her family and friends."

The vigil ended with a prayer and a plea to keep Quinn's light shining.