A vigil was held for a 13-year-old boy who died Friday night after getting hit by a car in a tragic accident in Lemon Grove.
The boy has since been identified as Trevon Harris, by his mother, Tanya Harris, who spoke to NBC 7.
Dozens of people attended the vigil held Saturday night, including Mayor of Lemon Grove Racquel Vasquez. Many brought balloons, flowers, and even stuffed animals to leave at the scene.
Trevon’s mother said she wants the community to remember her son’s love for life, his love for his little brother, and his dreams of becoming a basketball player.
“We ought to celebrate his life today,” said Tanya.
Tanya shared that Trevon dreamed of making it to the NBA as he was a big Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry fan. He was on The Lemon Grove’s recreational team called, The Young Bulls.
She shared the last moment she spent with him at the hospital saying that when she held his hand, she felt his spirit saying, “Mom, I’m ok.”
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The tragic accident happened in front of San Miguel Elementary School at around 6:19 p.m. Friday night, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.
Witnesses told NBC 7 Trevon ran from his front yard between two parked cars, slid on loose gravel, and fell forward into the street as a car was coming by.
Tanya was turning the car around to pick him up when the collision happened, witnesses said.
Trevon was then taken to Rady Children’s Hospital with severe head injuries. He was pronounced dead a short time later, said SDSO.
On Saturday, the Lemon Grove School District released a statement saying:
"On Friday evening, a 7th grade Lemon Grove Middle School student was involved in a fatal traffic accident in Lemon Grove. On behalf of the Lemon Grove School District, we want to extend our deepest and most profound sympathy to the family, friends, and community during this most difficult time.
"The mental health and well-being of our staff and students will be at the forefront for the foreseeable future. District staff will have counseling support in place at Lemon Grove Middle School and San Miguel Elementary School Monday morning. Please contact your school principal if your child is in need of additional support. Over the coming days, in particular, we ask staff, students, and the Lemon Grove community alike to seek support if needed."
Trevon’s family has organized a Go Fund Me page to help pay for funeral expenses.
The accident is under investigation but officials do not believe drugs or alcohol were factors. The driver remained at the scene of the crash and cooperated with investigators. Witnesses said the driver knelt on the side of the road and prayed for the victim.
Anyone with information on this incident can call the Lemon Grove Station at (619) 337-2000.
Editor's Note: A previous version of this story stated the boy was 14 years old. NBC 7 has since spoken with the boy's mother, who told NBC 7 the boy had just turned 13 a couple of weeks ago.
