LITHIA SPRINGS, Ga. — A 12-year-old boy was tragically struck by a car and killed last weekend -- just a few short weeks before his birthday.
Elijah Holmes of Lithia Springs was killed on Saturday, June 8, just 20 days before his 13th birthday, after being hit by a vehicle on Thornton Road, according to Douglasville Police.
Holmes was crossing the street when he was hit by a car, police said. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.
Holmes' mother, Nadia, has started an online fundraiser to pay for his funeral, which will be on June 28 -- the day that would have been his 13th birthday. At the time of publishing, a bit more than 10% of the $20,000 goal had been met.
EJ, as he was nicknamed, was a 5'11" "gentle giant," according to what family said in the online fundraiser. He was a student at Floyd Middle School and a member of the Wallace Park football team in Mableton. His dream was to go to college on a football scholarship and someday become a judge.
According to Nadia Holmes' message in the fundraiser, Elijah envisioned his upcoming 8th-grade year as his "Glo Up" year. She is basing his funeral on this theme.
"Rather than planning a birthday celebration, I am now organizing a funeral to honor his memory on his birthday, June 28th," the fundraiser reads. "In the midst of our shattered hearts and profound grief, we find comfort in the belief that EJ now rests in the embrace of God's eternal love."
It's unclear at this time if the driver involved will face any charges.
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