The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda is finalising plans for a candlelight vigil in Hamilton this weekend in memory of two countrymen who died tragically this month.

The event on Sunday will be held in memory of Ryan Cortez, 42, who passed away after he received serious head injuries in a chicken culling incident in Pembroke two weeks ago.

It will also celebrate the life of Antonieta Pascua, 57, a pedestrian, who succumbed to her injuries after being struck by a car in Hamilton on October 4.

Ryan De Jesus, the president of the association, said the vigil would be held at 6.30pm at Victoria Park, with all residents welcome to attend.

He called the past few weeks “incredibly heavy for our Filipino community”.

Mr De Jesus said: “This Sunday, we will light our candles not only in memory of the lives we have lost but also for the families and friends who must now learn to live with their absence.

“Each candle will be a small reminder that even in a moment that feels very dark, there is still love, there is still faith and there are still people willing to stand beside you.

“We have experienced sudden and heartbreaking losses and behind every life lost is a family, a circle of friends and a community trying to understand how someone they love can suddenly no longer be there.”

He said that as president, he had witnessed the community’s sadness after the deaths of Mr Cortez and Ms Pascua.

Mr De Jesus added: “I have spoken with people who are grieving and sometimes you realise that there are simply no words you can offer that will take that pain away.

“Sometimes, the most meaningful thing we can do is just be there to sit beside someone, to pray with them and to remind them that they do not have to carry their grief alone.”

Police said Mr Cortez had been riding a motorcycle in Pembroke when a pellet from an air rifle struck him as he drove along Hurst Crescent at about 5.20pm on October 14.

Mr Cortez, who worked as a spray painter at Busby’s Paint and Autobody Shop, died while receiving treatment at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Police said a man had been arrested in connection with the incident and had his firearms licence revoked before being released on police bail.

Ms Pascua, the island’s fourteenth road fatality, lost her life after she was struck near the junction of Cedar Avenue and Angle Street.

A 37-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident.