HARTFORD – A vigil was held in Hartford Saturday to mourn the loss of 13-year-old Jamaire Smith.
The teen died early Thursday morning after crashing a stolen car, sending it up in flames.
Nakisha Green, Jamaire’s mother, said she would do anything to bring her son back, who she described as a loving kid.
“He had a lot of dreams,” she said. “I just want my baby back.”
She said his siblings, three brothers and one sister, are struggling to understand what happened to their brother.
“My 5 year old he thinks that his brother is in the hospital,” she said. “It's just so hard for my family. You know, we need a lot of support We need a lot of help right now.”
The accident happened near Windsor Street and Pavilion Street at around 3:20 a.m. The 13-year-old was driving a Subaru that was stolen out of Middletown, according to police. After the accident, the Subaru caught fire, burning both teens inside.
Smith died at the scene and his 15-year-old passenger was taken to the burn unit at Bridgeport Hospital, police said.
Family members said Smith made a mistake but it shouldn’t have cost him his life.
“Everybody makes mistakes,” Tia Sheppard, Smith’s aunt said. “I’m quite sure everybody made a mistake at the age of 13.”
His family wants him to be remembered for how he lived his life, playing the drums, playing basketball and always smiling.
Smith was ready to start eighth grade at Thirman L. Milner School. Several former teachers showed up at Saturday’s vigil.
“Jamarie was a charmer. He was one of those kids you couldn’t help but love,” former teacher Samathan O’Brien said. “He had that leader quality about him, very athletic, tons of potential.”
O’Brien called him one of those students a teacher will never forget.
His aunt, Renea Syms, said one of the hardest parts is not being able to say goodbye, and she hopes this will send an important message to parents.
“When you have your kids and you’re trying your best to raise them up, they’re building their own mind and you would never know what your kid might do,” she said. “Tell your kids you love them before, you put them to bed, when they wake up, whenever, because you never would know or may not see them again.”
The family is struggling to come up with funeral costs, a Go Fund Me Page has been set up for those that want to help.
