Community mourns death of Waltham teen

WALTHAM, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- The flag at Waltham High School was at half staff Saturday, and grief counselors were made available for friends or family members of Tyler Zanco.

Friends and family continue to grieve as police investigate the shooting death of 17-year-old Tyler Zanco.

The senior wrestling captain and lacrosse player was found fatally wounded Thursday night in the parking lot of the Gardencrest Apartments. Police do not believe it was a random attack.

"It sounds like he was a little bit in the wrong place at the wrong time and some people were there that wanted to do him harm," said Andy Merritt, Zanco's mentor.

Zanco's aunt, Lauren Coscia, spoke to FOX 25's Crystal Haynes Saturday.

"He was just hanging out with his friend. We don't know any details at this point about that," she said. "It's just a friend that he hangs out with. So we don't know anything. His normal curfew was 10:30 p.m., and that's the time he was due to be home and that was it. We really don't know too much else."

Coscia says the family is devastated, and wants answers in Tyler's murder.

In the meantime, they are holding on to the good memories of Tyler, like his dream to be a marine, and that he was his mother's best friend.

"[He was] always smiling. Always willing to help out others. If there's anybody ever in need; family or one of his friends, we was there by their side to help them out," Coscia said.

Many of his classmates remembered Tyler at Waltham High School on Saturday.

Randy Alay, a teammate of Zanco's, said the team is dedicating the season to him.

"He was a great kid. He was always on top of his school work. Great athlete. He was dedicated to sports and he wanted to get better everyday," Alay said.

Tyler's mentor Andy Merritt said Tyler had a way of connecting to people.

"You met him and 30 seconds later you were friends with him. He really lit up a room," Merritt said.

Waltham Police say there are no suspects in this case so far, but they continue to investigate.

His family is making funeral arrangements and has created a page on charity website GoFundMe to offset the cost of his services.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday at the Brasco & Sons Memorial Chapel in Waltham from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Waltham on Friday at 10:30 a.m.

Cox Media Group