More than 500 people came to Robart’s Arena Saturday to honor the life of Eddie Sotomayor.
“If you never met him, I feel very bad for you,” said Mark Eary, who knew Sotomayor for 14 years. “Because he would definitely leave a mark on you.”
- Eddie Sotomayor died June 12 at the Pulse nightclub massacre
- Known as 'Top Hat Eddie'
- More than 500 people attended his funeral Saturday
Sotomayor was shot and killed June 12 during the Orlando Pulse nightclub massacre. Though his life was tragically ended, those at his funeral tried to remember the good times.
Sotomayor was known to friends as 'Top Hat Eddie.' Many people wore top hats to his funeral to honor him.
“He just started wearing a top hat every now and then and he looked really good in it,” Eary said.
Eary and Sotomayor became instant friends after meeting more than a decade ago.
“Just so charismatic, people were drawn to him,” he said. “He’ll always be alive in my heart and many other thousands of people.”
David Rybak met Sotomayer seven years ago. Rybak said Sotomayer’s charm could put anyone in a good mood.
“He just had this smile and this presence, that was amazing,” he said.