'A beautiful person': Family, friends gather for Tyre Nichols' funeral; VP Kamala Harris speaks

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Family and friends of Tyre Nichols were joined by Vice President Kamala Harris and the Rev. Al Sharpton for a funeral Wednesday that was expected to draw thousands in the wake of the brutal police beating of a 29-year-old father and avid skateboarder. 

His mother, RowVaughn Wells, thanked local activists for their support, and also thanked the family's lawyers and police for acting swiftly. Rodney Wells, Nichols' stepfather, said the family will fight for justice not only for his stepson, but others who have been killed by police.

“Tyre was a beautiful person and for this to happen to him was just unimaginable,” Wells said.

Read more about Tyre's funeral service from Tami Abdollah and N'dea Yancey-Bragg at USA TODAY.