TACOMA, Wash. — A community is celebrating Tacoma’s Daffodil Festival parade in honor of Daffodil Princess Alexandria Cole on Saturday morning.
Cole was found dead in a Tacoma apartment on Wednesday. She died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Organizers said 18-year-old Cole had been looking forward to the parade all year and talked about riding on the float with the other girls chosen as Daffodil Princesses.
A candlelight vigil was held Friday evening in remembrance of Cole in front of her apartment.
One of Cole’s friends spoke with KIRO 7 Eyewitness News and described her smile.
"It could brighten up the sky, and she was an amazing person. She was always happy every time I saw her,” said Tiauna Bill.
Parade organizers plan to place daffodils in Cole’s seat on the queen’s float, which will seat 23 other Daffodil Princesses.
Alongside the float, pictures of Cole will be carried and hundreds of classmates will wear T-shirts with her picture.
Cole was a senior at Chief Leschi High School, and she was chosen to represent the school during the parade.
KIRO
