Celebration of Life held for Tyre Nichols before burial

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - Family members and a grieving city said their final goodbyes to Tyre Nichols Wednesday.

The funeral was rescheduled to 1 p.m. due to the weather conditions. It took place at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church.

Ben Crump delivered a call to action and Reverend Al. Sharpton delivered the eulogy.

Vice President Kamala Harris traveled to Memphis to attend the funeral.

Harris offered condolences to Nichols’ family and commended them on their ability to stand strong following their sudden loss.

”And when I think about the courage and the strength of this family, I think it demands that we speak truth,” Harris said.

Harris said Nichols’ Jan. 7 arrest was not in the interest of public safety, and had it been, he would still be alive today.

She also called on Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, saying, “It is non-negotiable.”

The family of Breonna Taylor and the family of Eric Gardner also attended.

Tyre Nichols died on Jan. 10, three days after he was involved in a traffic stop conducted by Memphis Police Department that left him critically injured.

Soon after five former Memphis Police Department officers were charged with second-degree murder, and two MPD officers were relieved of duty.

Also, two Memphis Fire Department emergency medical technicians and a lieutenant were fired.

Family members say Tyre was someone who enjoyed Starbucks and spending time with family.

They say he spent his free time at Shelby Farms skating and taking pictures of the sunset.

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