Family, friends, teammates gather to say good-bye to Odin Lloyd

By Wesley Lowery, Globe staff

Mourners spilled out of the front doors of an aged Mattapan church, where they gathered Saturday morning to remember a brother, son, friend, and teammate.

More than 275 people packed the green cushioned pews and the aisles of Church of the Holy Spirit attending the funeral service for Odin Lloyd, the 27-year-old Dorchester man whose body was found earlier this month in North Attleborough. Another 150 people listened to the service in a nearby overflow room, and at least another hundred stood outside, unable to get a seat.

The murder of Lloyd, an amateur football player for the Boston Bandits, has been thrust into the national spotlight due to the involvement of former New England Patriots’ star Aaron Hernandez. The NFL tight end has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in relation to the slaying, and two other men who prosecutors believe were present at the time of the crime are also in custody.

The funeral service was closed to media, but attendees who spoke with the Globe afterward describe a sad, emotional service.

Lloyd’s teammates on the Bandits were there in their blue and yellow jerseys, pausing for a team huddle before saying his name in unison and entering the service as a group. Those interviewed described Lloyd as an intense competitor with a memorable smile.

“We’re going to stay focused and stay strong,” said Mike Branch, the Bandits’ general manager. “This team is a tight-knit team, and he meant so much to this team.”