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UT students turn to each other for support while many grieve after the death of Tanner Wray

Students at the University of Tennessee continue to turn to each other for support as they mourn the loss of Tanner Wray.

Students at the University of Tennessee gathered at Tanner Wray's fraternity house, Chi Phi, for a prayer walk on Sunday afternoon.

The Vol community is still coming to terms with the loss of a close friend and fellow student.

"We had multiple members from not only the fraternities and sororities and Greek life at the University of Tennessee, we also had people who had worked with Tanner, who met Tanner, through all the things that he has done," Lucas Grinnell, the rush chairman of Chi Phi, said.

20-year-old Wray lost his life shortly after collapsing at a boxing tournament on Friday evening. The University of Tennessee's Interfraternity Council shared a statement Saturday to express their condolences to everyone affected.

"Today, our hearts are heavy, as the UT fraternity community grieves the loss of one of our own. Tanner Wray is described as being 'larger than life,' and a dedicated student. We share our prayers and deepest sympathy with Tanner's family, friends, and his Chi Phi brothers.

We know that in this time of sadness, the strong support system we share throughout our fraternity and sorority community - and across campus - will provide much needed comfort as we remember our friend."

Wray's brothers, friends, coworkers all walked around outside the Chi Phi Fraternity with a few candles lit to honor Wray's life.

"To me, along with all the young men that live in this house who are members of this organization, Tanner's family, his parents, even himself, and everyone at this university... It means the world they came to support us. And mourn with us, pray with us. It means a whole lot," Grinnell said. "It's crazy. I know he probably would have never expected that this many people would, you know, come together over him. That's why I know it mean so much to him, looking down at all of us right now, being with us."

A fraternity brother of Wray has also set up a memorial fund for him.

On Monday, the Rock on UT's campus was filled with messages honoring Tanner, including hand prints with the word "brother" and the letters of various Greek organizations.

The Rock on UT's Campus was adorned with messages and handprints with the words "brother" honoring Joeseph Tanner Wray.

For students who are dealing with grief and need assistance of any sort, the University of Tennessee Student Counseling Center will be open throughout the week. The center's hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To set up an appointment, students can call (865) 974-2196 or e-mail the center at counselingcenter@utk.edu.

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