VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — On Friday morning, crews recovered the vehicle that drove off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier last week.
While the identity of the man found inside is still unknown, people stopped to pay their respects at a growing memorial near the pier.
“I just wanted to create something that let others know, as well as the family, that there’s others out there that care. There’s others that show empathy," said Virginia Beach resident Antonio Simmons.
Shortly after hearing the news, Simmons created a sign to place near the fishing pier. The sign reads in part, “Dear Stranger, I don’t know you. I may never know you. But I am sad for you.”
“To be honest, those are kind of words that I’ve always wanted someone to say to me," Simmons said.
Six days later, the sign has grown into a memorial with flowers, candles, and teddy bears. On Friday night, people stopped to pay tribute. Many say they’re relieved that the car’s been recovered, but they’re heartbroken over the tragedy.
“We still were like, let’s just pay some respect and kind of, you know, a tribute to their memory. I wanted to pray over them too as well," said Virginia Beach resident Adriane.
While Adriane didn’t know the person inside the vehicle, she said her heart goes out to the family.
“It just really ripped my heart out," she said. “Whatever your faith is, just send like a silent prayer or hope or wish out to the family."
Simmons told 13News Now that he’d like to create a permanent memorial at the pier.