CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Friends and family are saying goodbye to a little boy who's life was cut way too short. Jahlil Clements, 11, was killed while trying to protect his mother who was being attacked by her boyfriend, Ethan Samuel Chic-Colbert.
Jahlil jumped out of a car to flag down help on Interstate 77. The driver of a passing car didn't see him and hit Jahlil, killing him.
Chic-Colbert has since been charged with child neglect causing death.
On Saturday, funeral services were held for Jahlil, drawing hundreds of people.
A salute to a hero.
"I will never be able to understand how and why something so tragic could happen to such a beautiful soul," said Jahlil's father in a letter read by Jared Smith.
Saturday, hundreds of family, friends and community members packed the Abundant Life Ministries in Charleston to honor 11-year-old Jahlil Clements, who was hit and killed by a car last week, trying to find help for his mother.
"To say he was special sounds trite and cliché yet this was simply the truth," said Jahlil's teacher in a letter read by Aleesha Gray. "He was truly exceptional in so many ways."
Teacher describe him as soft-spoken, yet full of personality and instantly popular with his classmates. His friends agree.
"He was a nice, fun loving kid that I don't know anybody who he didn't get along with," said Jacob Roderick, Jahlil's friend.
While the pain is still raw, Saturday it was all about remembering and honoring Jahlil, who's being hailed as a hero for his brave acts last week.
"I always swore that I would protect you by any means," said Jahlil's father in a letter read by Smith. "Be with you and protect you my whole life. Boy you know if i could trade places with you I would trade place. I hate the situation you were put in but I understand you needed to help protect your mother."
Now this young hero is in his final resting place.
As for Chic-Colbert, he's still in the South Central Regional Jail on a $100,000 bond.
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