Hundreds of people gathered at People's Church in Northeast Fresno to remember 7-year-old Donovan Maldonado Monday night.
Donovan's parents were not in attendance. His father is still hospitalized from injuries he suffered in the crash. Donovan's mother was too distraught to attend.
Donovan's extended family and his friends gave him a loving tribute.
The choir from Liberty Elementary where Donovan went to school started the service.
Donovan's grandparents and uncles sat in the front row.
His grandfather told the crowd, the crash that killed Donovan and injured the boys father, Jesse, and 18-month-old sister, Bella, has been devastating.
"I'm really, really mad. I'm crushed. It just took a lot out of us," said Donovan's grandfather Mike Greer.
The family soon learned that the driver accused of hitting the family as they crossed the street was suspected of driving drunk.
"But I pray that they have forgiveness for the gentleman and his family that took the choice to drink and drive and do this terrible thing," Mike Greer told the mourners.
42-year-old Loren LeBeau, a basketball coach at Central High School, faces four felony charges in the crash.
"I hope everyone here will take this and use this awareness and make sure this won't happen to another family again. It's not something any family should have to go through," said Donovan's uncle Tyler Greer.
Among the tears, there were fond memories of Donovan. On stage, his pictures, jerseys, and sports gear served as a reminder of Donovan's love of sports.
"He was often smaller than those he played with. Not knowing his age you would swear he was older because he was so good at everything he did," said Donovan's First Grade teacher Kathy Rigier.
The family's pastor read a letter from Donovan's parents, Jesse and Maria. A message to the friends who have supported them and to the strangers who have helped the family.
"We can't say enough about how much we appreciate the community coming together to help our family during this difficult time in our lives," read pastor Brian Cain.
As everyone left, they were given a card with Donovan's picture to help them remember his young life and the dangerous consequences of drinking and driving.
On Tuesday, the Fresno Police Department will release the official police report on the crash. And we expect to learn more about what lead up to it.
Stay with CBS47 for continuing coverage on the case.
