‘We’re missing a good one’: Loved ones remember Newberry teen Malachi Lancaster

NEWBERRY, Fla. (WCJB) - Friends and family gathered Friday night for a viewing service for Malachi Lancaster, the Newberry teenager who lost his life in a hunting accident this month.

“I think he had a great, great run for 18 years, and he’ll truly be missed,” shared family friend Vontrell Scott.

Newberry High School senior Malachi Lancaster is being remembered by loved ones, and they all say he was a great person.

“He was a jack of all trades,” Vontrell Scott said.

Vontrell Scott is still in shock that Malachi is gone.

“It’s tough speaking without even crying about it. You know I think Newberry and the close family, and the blood family you know we’re missing a good one right here,” Vontrell Scott shared.

Vontrell Scott says Malachi was like a son to him and even had a key to his house.

“Get on the couch and sleep, get on the couch and sleep, need a plate, here’s a plate. You know he was just a great kid. You know words can’t explain him. You just have to know him and be around him,” said Vontrell Scott.

A homecoming king, football player and kind hearted person now remembered for the impact he made on others lives.

“He’d treat you the same no matter if you were white, black, purple, blue, green, don’t matter. He didn’t have a drop of that negative in his blood, and he was just a great kid,” shared Vontrell Scott.

He continues to say, “Malachi’s one of these types of kids that I think that this generation doesn’t have many of. He’s the type of kid that you want your kid to be around.”

Vontrell Scotts’ son grew up with Malachi. He says he was a friend and brother all in one and most importantly someone he looked up to. Now, he’s holding onto their memories together.

“Just being with him. I’m going to miss him though, but a good memory I feel like was riding in the truck on the way to church,” shared Malachi’s childhood friend Vontrell Scott.

Another friend, Ra’Jon White says he became friends with Malachi in 6th grade.He has many fond memories with him but there is one that sticks out more than the others.

“One day, my first time ever fishing, he took me fishing and he said we weren’t leaving until I caught fish. I caught like four of five fish that day. We stayed out there til nighttime,” said White.

A teen who was a friend to everyone that the Newberry community says was taken too soon.

“We just have to stay strong and live off the memories that he gave us,” said Vontrell Scott.

Trying to stay strong while grieving and never forgetting Malachi is what’s pushing people like the Scott’s forward during an unimaginable time.

Malachi’s funeral is being held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Destiny Community Church in Newberry. The service is open to the public and those who attend are asked to wear all black.

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