Honoring the Life of a Young Soldier
In a poignant moment for the Central Florida community, the body of U.S. Army Specialist Mariyah Collington was returned home on Wednesday, marking a bittersweet occasion for her grieving family and friends. At just 19 years old, Collington tragically lost her life during a hiking accident in Morocco while on duty. The incident occurred when she and another soldier fell from a cliff, leading to the recovery of her body a few days later.
As her remains arrived at the Marvin C Zanders Funeral Home in Apopka, a somber gathering awaited her return. Though the day was filled with sorrow, Collington's family expressed a profound sense of relief knowing she was finally home. Cherlette McCullough, Collington's cousin, emphasized the importance of celebrating her life despite the heavy emotions surrounding their loss. "We want to celebrate her life, and now we get to do that," she remarked, highlighting the duality of grief and remembrance that enveloped the occasion.
A Vibrant Spirit Remembered
Collington was known for her vivacious spirit, always embracing life with a radiant smile and infectious energy. McCullough shared fond memories, stating, "Mariyah was always a beautiful little girl, always dressed nice, always respectful, always the life of the party." Her lively personality was evident even in her social media presence, where she shared joyful moments through TikTok videos, embodying the essence of who she was. For her family, these cherished memories serve as a reminder of the love she imparted and the joy she brought into their lives.
In the weeks following the tragic accident, Collington's family has been dedicated to preserving her memory by reminiscing about shared experiences and reviewing photographs that capture her vibrant life. McCullough noted the close bond Collington shared with her family, particularly her brother, reinforcing the notion that her connections were as strong as her spirit. "Mariyah was always a very strong young lady, so I wasn’t surprised about her going into the Army, and our family wasn’t surprised about that,” she added, reflecting on the pride they felt for her service.
While the public may recognize Collington as a soldier, for her family, she represents so much more. McCullough passionately asserted, "She will never be forgotten,” emphasizing that the love and memories shared will continue to resonate within their hearts long after the funeral, which is scheduled for Saturday, June 13.
As reported by mynews13.com.
