Vigil held for 7-year-old hit by a car in DeKalb County

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - People held a small vigil to honor the life of a little boy hit and killed by a car on his way home from school Tuesday.

MORE: Police: 7-year-old hit by car in DeKalb County dies

People held a small vigil to honor the life of a little boy hit and killed by a car on his way home from school Tuesday.

William "Tre" Townsend, 7, was attempting to cross North Decatur Road when a driver struck him.  He was transported to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston where he later died.

"It hurts bad, but I just have to cope with it and just strive for the best for him," said Felicia Dudley, Townsend's mother. "[Be]cause I know he [is looking] down on everybody and watching."

Dudley described her son as a fun kid who was full of smiles at loved school.  

She hopes safety improvements can be made to the road.  

"Something to prevent anything like this to happen again.  I would hate to turn on the news and see another 7-year-old or a 20-year-old or a disabled person get hit," Dudley explained.

DeKalb County Police said the driver who hit Townsend stayed on the scene.  No word on whether that driver faces any charges.  

Townsend's funeral will be held Friday.  

A fundraising page has been set up to cover the memorial expenses click here.