HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — Families gathered at a busy intersection in Highlands Ranch Thursday evening, to hold a candlelight vigil to remember 13-year-old Alex Mackiewicz.
He was hit and killed early Wednesday morning near Highlands Ranch Parkway and Venneford Ranch Road.
Dozens of Alex's friends, classmates and family filled the corner near where Alex lost his life. The sound of sobs filled the cold night air as those who knew the 13-year-old tried to process why he was taken so soon and what happened in the crash that claimed his life.
Despite the rain and cold, Alex's loved ones filled the area surrounding the memorial for Alex that sits on the corner of where he was hit and killed.
Alex's mother, Victoria Cegielski, said her son was crossing the street yesterday, headed to school when the crash happened.
His stepdad, Owen Cegielski said Alex was a special kid, a great kid, one that changed their lives.
Watch video below: Family friends organizing memorial for 7th grader killed in crash
“He made me a better father and a better person. I couldn’t have asked for a better son in my life and I’m going to truly miss him. And this is all dedicated for him and I wanted to thank you all and the community for reaching out to us and helping us," Owen said.
Speaking to Alex's friends and classmates Thursday, his mom Victoria told those gathered at the vigil she knows nothing will bring her son back. Now, she said she remembers him for the loving goofball he was.
Still, she said after what happened to Alex, she's calling for better safety measures for the kids who will still have to cross this very busy corner on their way to school.
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