The Star Wars family has mourned the loss of Carrie Fisher, and last night held lightsaber vigils across the country in her honor.
Fans worldwide mourn the passing of Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher, best known for playing Princess Leia in the Original Trilogy. Many fans looked to honor Fisher in the most Star Wars way possible.
To that end, fans in Denver, Anaheim, and Austin and other cities hosted lightsaber vigils to honor their fallen princess. Rally attendees were encouraged to bring lightsabers, flashlights, and anything else that could light up the night in Fisher’s memory.
On Friday, December 23rd, Fisher suffered a massive heart attack in flight from London to Los Angeles. Initially reported to be in stable condition, Fisher’s health deteriorated and she passed away on Tuesday.
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 28: ‘Star Wars’ fans of all ages hold up candles and lightsabers during a vigil for actress Carrie Fisher at the The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space museum on December 28, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The vigil, for Fisher, who portrayed Princess Leia in the famous movie, was held in front of the model of the Star Wars X-Wing Starfighter jet on display at the museum. Fisher died of an apparent heart attack on December 27th at the age of 60. Her mother Debbie Reynolds died today from an apparent stroke. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Many of the vigils were attended by hundreds of fans, a far bigger turnout than organizers hoped for. The Austin vigil’s success came as a shock to Morgan Hendrix, creative manager for the Alamo Drafthouse and the event’s organizer. Hendrix admitted to the Austin American Statesman that she was a bit “choked up” about the amount of people that turned up.
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In addition to the lightsaber vigil, fans played Star Wars music, quoted their favorite Leia lines, and dressed as their favorite characters. All of this to celebrate the life of Carrie Fisher. And we’d like to think that’s exactly what she would have wanted. Rest easy, princess.