Community gathers for vigil on anniversary of Summer Wells' disappearance

KINGSPORT — Members of the community gathered at Warriors Path State Park on Saturday to honor Summer Wells on the third anniversary of her disappearance.On tables at the front of the pavilion were framed family photos, interspersed with other mementos, and a photo album filled with photos of Summer and the Wells family. There were also updated fliers available for attendees to take, as well as ribbons representing other missing persons.The Summer's Day Vigil is hosted each year by local community members and a group of friends from around the country who are passionate about seeing Summer return home."Summer's Day is not a celebration, but a day to honor missing Summer Wells," a flier posted by the vigil's organizers at the event read. "Our goal is to keep Summer's age-progression photo circulating both in the media and here locally, and to share Summer's story with those who may not know it yet."The park holds significance to the case, as it was one of the places Summer visited early in the afternoon the day she disappeared.Organizers played videos about internet safety tips, TBI's recent update on the case, and videos related to Hollynn Snapp and Layla Santanello — both still missing from the Kingsport area.'Utterly devastated'Summer's father, Don Wells, reflected on the day Summer went missing."Three years ago, we were completely and utterly devastated, in shock and everything else," said Wells. "We think a lot about Summer, I wish she could be here with us."He said that events such as these are impactful for him and his family."It means a lot to me, because, you know, Summer might see this one day and hear her name and be like, 'Wait, that's my name. They're talking about me,'" Wells said.For Wells, Saturday carried a particular weight after attending church, where he saw many gathered with their families celebrating Father's Day weekend.He expressed gratitude for the community's ongoing support and love over the past three years."We appreciate the community and those people that are supporting us and keeping their eyes and ears open for Summer," said Wells. "I just hope and pray for this community, for our family. That's all we can do."Butterflies were released at 7:03 p.m., the exact time law enforcement arrived at the Wells household at 110 Ben Hill Road that day. The 36 butterflies represented each month that Summer has been missing up to this point.Participants lit candles and shared in moments of silence after the release, ending with singing "Jesus Loves the Little Children."