Friends, family mourn loss of Loganville teen

LOGANVILLE, Ga. - Hundreds turned out at Meridian Park at a candlelight vigil for 14-year-old Jaden Force, who police said was killed by a truck when he darted across Highway 81 Friday night. His friends told FOX 5 they were fishing at the lake which is now closed for restocking.

“We heard a siren coming from the police station and it was just like ‘Oh, man, we got to go back home,’” said T.J. Moon, a friend of Force.

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Moon said they scurried away from the lake with Force in the lead. That’s when he crossed into the truck’s path. Nurse Ashley Leach stopped her car, getting out trying to save the critically injured unconscious boy who ended up lying on the grass.

“I just wanted to hold his hand and let him know he wasn't alone. What did you tell him? I was saying his name, Jaden stay with us, encouraging him,” said Leach.

Force was rushed to an area hospital where he died a few hours later.

The news quickly spread on social media and at Jaden's school, Loganville Middle, which led to the big crowd at the park.

“We all are going to remember Jaden as the kind loving silly friend as he was to all of us,” his friend said.

Friends and family remember a loving soul who loved football, track and fishing. But his friends are comforted that his final act was to give life to others with the donation of his organs.

“He was just a great kid. Everybody thought the world of him and that's why you see the turnout that we have tonight; and he'll be greatly missed,” said family friend Ron Hankins.

And in their sadness, a grieving family reaches out to the driver of the truck with their message.

“My prayers go out to him and his family and I know it was a horrible accident and there is nothing to forgive because it just happened,” said Jaden Force’s father David.

The family has set up an account to try to pay for the unexpected expense of burying their loved one. Anyone who wishes to donate can go to gofundme.com/jadenforce.