SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Hundreds of people packed the stands at the Coronado High School football field Friday, for a celebration of life in honor of Justin Meek.
The Coronado High School graduate was one of the 12 people killed at the Thousand Oaks shooting on Nov. 7.
The 23-year-old is remembered as a hometown hero, as he died helping protect others from the gunman’s bullets.
RELATED: Coronado native among victims of the Thousand Oaks bar shooting
Meek moved to Thousand Oaks to attend California Lutheran University. He worked at the Borderline Bar and Grill. Though he often worked as a security guard, the night of the shooting, he and his sister were working as promoters for ‘College Night’ events.
When the gunshots started, Justin began helping people get out of harm's way. He was shielding them from gunfire when he was shot and killed. His sister made it out of the bar.
The Meek family released a written statement that described Justin’s strong interest in the safety of others since Sept. 11.
RELATED: High school students show thanks, one to his sister who survived the Borderline Bar Shooting
“Justin wanted to part of the solution, to serve, to protect,” the statement reads.
Meek was a criminal justice major with a minor in music. After college, Meek's family said he wanted to join the Coast Guard and then go on to become a U.S. Marshall. Meek’s mother served in the Air Force, his father served in the Navy, and he too felt a strong call to service.
“Justin was a genuine, kind, loving, caring, compassionate, hardworking, talented man and a friend to everyone he met,” the statement reads. “He was a loving son, protective brother, and hero to all.”
There is a paddle out for Meek on Saturday morning. There will be a church service of him on Sunday.
