LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Some central Kentuckians gathered to honor the victims of the Connecticut shootings Tuesday night at a vigil at Triangle park in downtown Lexington, planned by a man who has dealt with tragedy himself.

It's been six years since Brian Hufnagel's wife, Stephanie, and their unborn daughter, Sidney, were crushed to death after a panel fell on top of them in downtown Lexington.

Hufnagel now raises their eight year old daughter, Reagen, on his own. He tells us as a parent, his heart aches for the many families now missing their loved ones.

"These parents actually had five, six years with their little ones, growing up and having those memories, having them in their arms, and books with them, giving them baths and all that. And so to have that taken away and just their lives changed forever, you know that's just awful," said Hufnagel.

Through his own tragedy, he can't express enough gratitude from his family, friends, and even complete strangers to help him through the tough times. Now he wants to give back.

"To pay that forward and try to get some people together with some. Just come together and maybe say their own prayers, leave a note, card, or whatever they like. Everybody is different, whatever they feel like doing," said Hufnagel.

Each of the shooting victims were honored Tuesday night. Hufnagel has a rose and a picture for all of them. Now he's asking the community to realize what's happened and to focus on the future.

"This isn't a time for politics, to be talking about gun laws, or not gun laws or anything else. This is a time to reflect on our society and something like that happening, and try and make sure it ever happens again," Hufnagel said.

Hufnagel is asking those in attendance to bring toys to donate to local children in honor of the twenty kids killed in the Connecticut shooting.