MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN) — An 11-year-old boy was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in Marana, and the community has come together with a vigil to mourn and celebrate his life.
Marana police said the boy, a student at Tangerine Farms K-8 School, was riding eastbound from W. Hancock Drive and crossing Midfield Road in an unmarked crosswalk when he was struck by a northbound 2008 Ford Expedition Thursday morning.
Bystanders tried to revive him, however he was taken to the hospital in critical condition and later died from his injuries.
Read More: Update: Boy on bicycle struck, killed by vehicle in Marana
A vigil held in his honor drew hundreds of people, and a growing memorial outside has been filled with flowers, stuffed animals, candles, letters, and balloons left by friends, family, and community members over the past several days.
Bethany Sharp, the boy's former teacher at Gladden Farms Elementary — before he moved on to Tangerine Farms K-8 — described him as a standout student.
"He stood out because he was always really respectful; he was always such a big help to me and all of the other teachers, and he was always trying to find ways to help everyone," Sharp said.
Sharp said he had a rare ability to lift the spirits of everyone around him.
"You know, for an eleven-year-old, he always knew how to make you feel better. Even as an adult, as a teacher, there was just something special about him. He knew exactly what to say to make you feel better," Sharp said.
During the vigil, those closest to him took a moment to speak directly to their friend.
"He was my best friend," one attendee said. I'll miss you."
The community has also rallied around the family financially. Local bakery owners Tristy Longfellow and Natasha Shaipen are among those raising funds in the boy's honor.
"And then all the proceeds from all of our that are participating in that will be donated directly to the family," Longfellow said. "I couldn't help but just cry because my kids are around the same age. So it's amazing to see the community come together in that way."
Sharp said she hopes the community holds onto the memory of who he truly was.
"I just hope we all remember him for being happy and bright and kind," Sharp said.
Sharp reflected on the outpouring of support from people who may not have even known him personally.
"I never thought that so many people would come together for someone they didn't know, but it feels good to see that everyone cares about him. Even if they didn't know him or they knew him personally, it's a good feeling to see that this memorial is going to be filled with love and that people care for him," Sharp said.
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