Shain Gandee's Funeral: Buckwild Star's Memory Lives On as Hundreds Gather to Mourn his Death

Shain Gandee's funeral was held Sunday April 7th 2013

Reporter: Laura Domineau

Charleston, West Virginia: A sea of camoflauged color filled Charleston Municipal Auditorium today, as over two hundred mourners attended the funeral of MTV Reality star Shain Gandee, 21, and his uncle David Gandee, 48. The two were found dead earlier this week of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning after Gandee's truck and tailpipe became lodged in mud. Asked not don typical funeral attire as Shain "hated to dress up" friends, family and fans opted for earth tone hunting gear or tee-shirts branded with "Gandee Candy"- the star's nickname.

"I know where Shain is" said mother Loretta Gandee as she delivered a short and touching eulogy. "He said about a month ago, 'I know when I die I'm goin' to heaven!'" After speaking the grieving mother, dressed in a bright pink "Gandee Candy" tee-shirt and jeans, sang an emotional hymn, a capella.

A slide show set to accompanying country music took guests on a sentimental journey through Gandee's life. Photos showed the simpler side of Shain, one untouched by camera crews or sudden fame. Smiling proudly in his elementary school football uniform, dressed up for the high school dance, kissing a baby and bride, and holding a hunting trophy while beaming into the camera reminded guests that it's often the small moments in life that matter the most.

As guests exited the auditorium  many agreed the funeral was the perfect tribute to the late reality star. "He probably would walk in their going, "BUCKWILD!" said friend Ricky Slater, 23. Despite being the title of the show that rocketed him to fame, it was also Gandee's signature catch phrase.

Cameras were not allowed inside the funeral, and 'Buckwild' has postponed filming indefinitely, allowing family and friends to appropriately mourn the loss of Gandee.

A private family burial was held at Thaxton Cemetery in Kanawha County.

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