Fallen soldier remembered at candlelight vigil in Visalia

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A South Valley soldier killed in Afghanistan was remembered on Saturday by family, friends and even strangers.

Army Pfc. Keith Michael Williams was only 19 when he died in Afghanistan on Thursday. He was killed by an improvised explosive device. But on this somber Saturday, his loved ones remembered his life and contagious spirit.

"He was loved, and he lived to make people happy, and to see so many people want to remember him makes me happy," said Chelsea Sestini, Williams' sister.

Sestini says his family is proud of his service, as are other El Diamante High School graduates and community members who gathered at the track field for the candlelight vigil.

"A lot of people that didn't know him are here because they're proud of what he did, and they're honored by what he did," said Sestini.

The 2013 graduate joined the military in hopes of becoming a law enforcement officer. Sestini says her baby brother gave 110 percent to his passions, including his military service.

"He gave his all for it, and in the end he gave his life," said Sestini.

Sestini told Action News that her parents wanted to be there Saturday night, but they were in Delaware receiving their son's body. He'll be transported to Visalia later next week.