Special car cruise organized to honor 13-year-old hit and killed in Highlands Ranch

Samantha Spitz
·2 min read
3

HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. (KDVR) — Dozens of cars cruised through Highlands Ranch on Sunday to honor a 13-year-old who was hit and killed Wednesday morning while on his way to school.

Investigators said the boy died after he was struck while riding a single-wheel electric skateboard near Venneford Ranch Road and Highlands Ranch Parkway. His family identified him as Alex Mackiewicz.

Child on e-skateboard killed on the way to school in Highlands Ranch

A growing memorial now sits at the intersection of the tragic crash where many gathered to show support for the family and watch a special car cruise in his honor.

“He could look at any make and model and be able to tell you what it was which is really cool, and as you can see there’s pretty much every single make and model here today,” Ashley Lambert said. “This community is absolutely incredible.”

  • Alex Mackiewicz's picture sits among candles, flowers, signs and trinkets
    Alex Mackiewicz’s picture sits among candles, flowers, signs and trinkets left by those remembering the 13-year-old before his untimely death.
  • The Highlands Ranch community hosted a special car cruise on Sunday to honor a 13-year-old car enthusiast killed while heading to school in Highlands Ranch. (KDVR)
    The Highlands Ranch community hosted a special car cruise on Sunday to honor a 13-year-old car enthusiast killed while heading to school in Highlands Ranch. (KDVR)

Brianna Badini, Alex’s classmate, told FOX31 it’s been an emotional few days.

“Seeing his empty desk every day is just so hard,” Badini said. “He was really caring and you could tell he cared about everyone. He was so funny too. He would bring a smile to my face even if I was having a gloomy day.” 

The event brought together car enthusiasts from all over, including those who knew him and those just there for support.

“I had a brother that was killed in a car accident and I want to support the family,” Stacia Martin, driving a Mustang for the cruise, said.

The route took drivers pass Alex’s memorial and ended on the family’s street.

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“It just shows a lot of people care,” said Brooke Link, a sixth-grader in Highlands Ranch. “Even if they didn’t know him, they just wanted to support him. I think if any family had that happen to their child they’d be pretty upset.”

Organizers said part of this event was also to bring awareness to traffic safety. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said the deadly crash is still under investigation.

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