ROSEBURG, Ore. (KOIN) — Before 20-year-old Treven Anspach attended Umpqua Community College, he was a well-loved community member in the town of Sutherlin.
Those close to Anspach knew how much he loved fishing.
On Sunday, hundreds came out to Trout-for-Treven where they donated a few dollars to sink their lines into Cooper Creek Reservoir, looking for lunkers lying below the misty surface.
“We really couldn’t think of a better way to honor him than with something that he loved,” Jordan Humphreys said.
Anspach was one of 9 people killed when a gunman opened fire in a classroom at Umpqua Community College early this month.
In a written statement, his family said he was “one of the most positive young men, always looking for the best in life.”
Trout-for-Treven attendees shared stories and honored Anspach’s memory while doing what he loved most.
“It’s great that we can do that and bring people together in his name,” Humphreys said. “I think it’s part of the healing process and getting people together and all on the same page.”
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocked the reservoir with 5,000 trout. Nearly 350 people came out to the event, some arriving more than an hour early.
“The turnout is amazing,” Chris Rodgers said. “I got here a little before 10 and it’s like, OK where am I going to park?”
It was a meaningful gathering in Anspach’s honor as his family and community members work to move past this tragedy.
“Our goal is to do it again next year, to honor him all year and make it an annual event,” Humphreys said. “I think that would be special for the family.”