Family & friends say goodbye to Alexanda Kogut

It was a difficult and emotional day for some of our community Thursday night. Family and friends came to say their last goodbyes before Alexandra Kogut was laid to rest.

Although Alex may be no longer with them family and friends say they will continue to keep her memory alive.

Family and friends came together to pay their respects one last time to Alex Kogut.

The street was lined up with purple bows- her favorite color. And people also wore that color to raise awareness about domestic violence.

"Through it all we have to remember what took place today. Alex was a symbol of love and hope and we have to carry that on in her memory," said Halyna Gnap, Alex's piano teacher.

Alex's piano teacher says it was an honor to have known her.

Friends say she was a shoulder to cry on, a person to go for advice and a loving person.

"It was just so unconditional. Anyone she walked up to or saw her smile would just radiate and make everyone else so happy," said Paige Whitney, a friend of Alex's.

Paige Whitney says Alex made friends everywhere she went.

Paige was on the same swim team as Alex in high school and was hoping the same for college.

"She absolutely loved everyone on the team and not only New Hartford's but Brockport's even though she didn't swim with us yet," explained Whitney.

Even though Alex couldn't swim with the Brockport team, They say they will keep her close to their hearts in and out of the pool.

"These warm ups and t-shirt warm ups we are going to get her initials marked on our sleeves so she will be with us no matter what," said Whitney.

And although this tragic event is hard for the Central New York community, Alex's parents want people to celebrate her life. They say, "Please don't let anger cloud your memories of Alex. We are her parents. It is very important to us that you don't harbor any hatred. "

Alex died at the young of 18. Her family says it will be the memory of her smile that will ultimately heal them.