Bentley was killed Oct. 30 near the fast-food restaurant on Northwest 27th Avenue. His death remains under investigation, and no arrest has been announced.

The celebration of life drew so many mourners that the space could not hold them all, with loved ones taking turns sharing memories of a teenager they described as a caring friend who brought laughter and happiness to everyone around him.

For Ashley Fernandez, Bentley's best friend since ninth grade, the loss has reshaped daily life.

"Every night I just realize he's not there for me since we're always on the phone at night and it's just really hurtful that he's gone," Fernandez said.

Julian Aly said he had seen Bentley at the gym just two days before the shooting. Overcome with emotion at the gathering, Aly said he had to step outside.

"I feel sad right now. I went inside, but I didn't wanna stay longer because I can't. I had to step outside to take a deep breath," Aly said.

Aldane Maxwell recalled his favorite memory of Bentley: a hallway encounter at Hallandale High School in which Bentley urged him and another student to get to class. Maxwell also remembered watching Bentley make TikTok videos with his girlfriend and friends in the hallway.

As Bentley's mother, Nohely Bogert, mourns, her coworkers have organized to make sure she is not alone. Stacy Alcenard, who works with Bogert, called the death a tragedy.

"He is a child that a mother would always dream to have," Alcenard said.

Alcenard said employees across the company's roughly 90 offices have come together to support Bogert.

"Our company is about 90 different offices and all 90 supported her. We made sure we had her back in any which way. Love is love," she said.

For those who knew Bentley, Saturday's gathering was a chance to hold onto the friendships, laughter and memories he left behind — even as the investigation into the shooting continues.