Widefield Community Remembers Keith Cohu

The Widefield community gathered Saturday to remember Keith Cohu, a 17-year-old runaway who was found dead Friday.

The field in front of Widefield High School was packed with people who came out for a candlelight vigil.

“After I heard that he ran away, we counted the days, I know I did,” said Brian Grant, Cohu’s friend. “We were just hoping he was alright.”

Cohu was found in a boiler shaft on the roof of French Elementary School. Investigators said it’s still not clear how he died. Cohu ran away from his Fountain home in November, and some of his friends reported that they last saw him on the roof of the school more than a week ago.

Friends remember Cohu as spontaneous, free-spirited and the kind of person you wanted to be around.

“It was just normal to be around him and have a good time,” said friend Zachary Tatum. “That’s what I remember most, that I was never able to be sad or mad when I was around him.”

“It really does remind you that we only live once,” said Grant. “Keith really did live his life to the fullest.”

The glow of candles lit up the huge crowd in front of the high school as Cohu’s family and friends shared their memories. The questions surrounding his death were put on hold for the night.

“I think everybody is out here, not to try and figure out how he died, but to remember how he lived,” said Kevin Duren, principal of Widefield High School.

A District 3 spokesperson said counselors would be available Monday for staff and students at Widefield High and French Elementary.