Article updated: 1/18/2012 10:54 PM

Willowbrook memorializes slain freshman

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Darnell Holt was remembered Wednesday by students and teachers at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park. The 16-year-old was one of four family members killed in an apparent murder-suicide.

Photo courtesy of ABC 7

The Rock, a symbol of the Willowbrook High School Warrior tradition, was painted red overnight in honor of slain freshman Darnell Holt, who loved the color.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

The Villa Park-area home of Willowbrook High School freshman Darnell Holt, 16, where four family members died in a fire authorities say was a murder-suicide.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

Willowbrook freshman wrestling coach Nick Metcalf, left, and varsity coach Bryan Murphy, both joined hundreds of students in wearing red to celebrate the life of Darnell Holt, who loved the color.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

Willowbrook High School Principal Dan Krause, center, listens to teacher Terry Harrell, right, talk about freshman Darnell Holt, 16, “He was one of those kids with a huge personality,” Harrell said.

Daniel White | Staff Photographer

Ursula Nailor

ABC 7

Daniel| Nailor

ABC 7

Darnell Holt

Dominique Robinson

ABC 7

About this Article

Sixteen-year-old Darnell Holt's favorite color was red. And on Wednesday the halls and classrooms at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park were awash in a sea or red outfits, all worn by classmates and teachers paying tribute to the slain freshmen known for his infectious smile. Darnell was found dead Tuesday with three members of his family, a victim of an apparent murder-suicide near Villa Park.