CHANDLER, Ariz. — Outside the Petersen's Chandler home was a massive gathering of friends, family and loved ones Tuesday night.
All were there to honor and remember 9-year-old Ilai Peterson, whose life was tragically taken too soon.
“He was just a quiet and sweet energy with a smile that would light up any room that he would walk into,” said Jill Knight, the Petersen's neighbor.
On Saturday, Ilai and his father Aaron Peterson were getting ready to cross the street at Ray Road and Coronado Street just east of the 101 when a two-car crash happened at the intersection. One of the cars drove onto the sidewalk where they were standing and hit the father and son.
Aaron was seriously hurt. Ilai did not survive.
On Tuesday night during the candlelight vigil, Aaron was seen walking on crutches. He hugged and thanked those who came to show their support.
“They’re still in shock and they still don’t know how to cope with missing a nine year old child that has been the center of their life,” said Christine Jones, a close friend to the Petersen family.
All prayed together and sang songs. Many wrote messages of love to the family.
Knight said Ilai was just like any other boy his age.
“He loved nature," she said. "There’s all kinds of little facts I learned about sharks and snakes and spiders from him.”
Ilai was also known for wanting to help others. Jones said he and his family went to the Ukraine-Poland border to serve refugees.
“There is a big hole in their hearts for not having him with them anymore,” Jones said.
Chandler Police are still investigating the car crash.