Tucson City Councilman To Hold Ceremony For Coronavirus Deaths

TUCSON, AZ — A Tucson City Council member will hold a ceremony to mourn the Pima County residents whose lives were lost due to the coronavirus.

City Councilman Steve Kozachik, who represented Ward 6 on the Tucson City Council, will host a ceremony Sunday at Hippie Hill in Himmel Park in honor of the National Week of Mourning. The week, which will be from Oct. 4-11, is set to remember the American lives lost so far due to the pandemic.

The event will give Tucsonans a place to grieve and come together as a community, Kozachik said.

"In many cases the heartbreak of the loss has been exacerbated by knowing a loved one had to pass alone due to isolation restrictions in place in health care institutions," Kozachik said in a statement. "Truly, 2020 has challenged the community emotionally."

Since March, Pima County has reported a total of 25,706 coronavirus cases and 622 known deaths. The state of Arizona has reached over 219,000 cases and nearly 6,000 deaths since the virus arrived.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature bagpipe music from Joey Crandall of the Tucson Fire Department, as well as a "short reflection" from Rabbi Scott Saulson. One American flag will be planted for each Pima County life lost to the virus. Loved ones will be invited to bring a photo of someone who has passed away to place in front of a flag.

Anyone who chooses to come to the event is advised to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. The memorial will remain up throughout the week of mourning for those who wish to stop by.