In rural North Texas, community gathers to mourn Athena Strand

PARADISE — They arrived as the sun set, wearing pink and carrying stuffed unicorns and teddy bears.

Thousands packed a sprawling lawn just outside First Baptist Church of Cottondale on Tuesday night. They came to ask why and to say goodbye. They lit candles and wept and prayed. Again and again, they said her name: Athena Strand.

Seven-year-old Athena disappeared from her home last Wednesday in Wise County, about 30 miles northwest of Fort Worth. An Amber Alert was issued the following day.

Her body was found on Friday, just a few miles from her home; her cause of death has not been released, but Sheriff Lane Akin said officials believe she died shortly after she was taken.

Authorities arrested 31-year-old Tanner Lynn Horner, a FedEx driver from Fort Worth, on charges of capital murder and aggravated kidnapping. It is unclear whether he has an attorney.

‘The best little girl’
Signs of grief are everywhere in this largely rural community, which has reeled since Athena’s disappearance.

Along state highways and side streets, pink balloons are tied to mailboxes, traffic signs and power lines. Her name is written on a fence in pink lettering in honor of her favorite color.

During Tuesday evening’s memorial, which was at times lively and raucous, mourners shouted “Athena Strong,” and “We love you, Athena.” Together, they stood and sang “Amazing Grace.”

Maitlyn Presley Gandy, mother of late Athena Strand embraces other kids during a memorial…
Maitlyn Presley Gandy, mother of late Athena Strand embraces other kids during a memorial service at First Baptist Church of Cottondale in Paradise, TX, on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. (Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Athena’s mother, Maitlyn Presley Gandy, told the crowd she was trying to remain strong for her daughter.

“She was the best little girl. She really was,” she said. “I want people to keep her face and her story alive.”

Pictures of Athena lined the stage. The little girl running, hair flying behind her. Smiling on the first day of school. Dressed in Christmas pajamas.

Athena’s first grade teacher, Lindsey Thompson, recalled Athena bringing her a present — usually a small trinket or drawing — every day. Athena loved to dance and draw and create.

“There will never be a day we don’t think about her,” Thompson said. “My heart aches because I have lost one of my babies.”

Carol Warren of Boyd gets emotional while holding a candle during a memorial service for…
Carol Warren of Boyd gets emotional while holding a candle during a memorial service for Athena Strand.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
‘Unimaginable’
Near the stage, a memorial swelled with stuffed animals and pink roses. Kyla Rigsbee, a Decatur native, tucked a pink Christmas stocking into the memorial.

“As a parent, it’s unimaginable,” she said. “I never even imagined not feeling safe here.”

Pastors from area churches read Scripture and said that Athena is now home, safe.

When a child dies, people want to know how God could allow something like that to happen, said Phil Erickson, an associate pastor at First Baptist.

But God was always with her, he said.

“When Athena closed her eyes and left this Earth, she ran right into the arms of Jesus,” Erickson said. “He said ‘Welcome home. I’ve been waiting for you.’ ”

Rural North Texas community gathers to mourn Athena Strand
A makeshift memorial dedicated to late Athena Strand after a memorial service at First…
[12/12] A makeshift memorial dedicated to late Athena Strand after a memorial service at First Baptist Church of Cottondale in Paradise, TX on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022. Strand went missing from her home in Wise County last week, and her body was found Friday evening.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
Maitlyn Presley Gandy, left, mother of late Athena Strand gives a flower to Frances Schigg,…