Thornhill was in Detroit to watch fireworks with some of his fraternity brothers and friends. He was among three people who passed and 24 who were injured. 

Chance Carson, Thornhill’s fraternity brother who was with him when he passed, said the two used to cruise through campus, go on food tours and cook together. 

“I was with him when he passed," Carson said. "I found his body, I had to identify his body, take his brother to the hospital, had to tell his parents.” 

Carson said they were leaving the party when the first shots were fired and people started pulling out their guns and shooting to protect themselves. 

“Block parties are a cultural thing that brings people together,” Carson said. “I wouldn’t say block parties are the problem, it’s probably how easily accessible the guns are.” 

Carson said Thornhill was in a good headspace before passing. He graduated with an engineering degree and had a few job and internship opportunities. 

“Jordan always liked having fun, but it didn’t take much and he didn’t ask for much to have fun either,” Carson said. “Good food, good vibes, he was always just a good person.” 

Lillian Lockhart, one of Thornhill’s best friends and recent Central Michigan University graduate spoke at the vigil. Lockhart said she had a conversation with Thornhill a few weeks prior to his death. 

“We were both recent graduates and we were both worried about what was next,” Lockhart said. “He was just so stressed about it and I told him everything will be okay, and that God was going to work his life out the way it was supposed to work out.” 

Lockhart said she found out about Thornhill’s death after receiving a phone call from one of her friends. 

“It’s been hard,” Lockhart said. “But it taught me to lean a lot on people around me.” 

TJ Conley, Thornhill’s childhood friend, said he first found out about Jordan’s passing when Jordan’s younger brother called him while he was working. 

"Every time his little brother calls me, I think he’s asking for a ride or something," Conley said. "He said, 'I gotta tell you some news about Jordan."  

Conley initially thought Jordan was in the hospital, still fighting. 

“I asked where he got shot at and Chandler said he got shot in the head,” Conley said. “And he’s gone; it broke my heart.” 

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Carson for Thornhill’s family, which has received $16,467 with a goal of $20,000 at the time of publication. Donations can be made here.