MIDDLEVILLE, Mich. — Friends and family gathered to remember 5-year-old Caleb Duley during a vigil over the weekend.
Caleb was killed in a crash when a truck ran a stop sign and slammed into his parent's car in Thornapple Township back on May 16, 2015.
Published reports indicate the driver of the truck was charged with four misdemeanors. Prosecutors believe he had been talking on the phone at the time of the crash.
On Sunday, a vigil was held at McFall Elementary School in Middleville.
Loved ones said Caleb had a smile that lit up the room and they were determined to keep his memory alive. Candles were lit and balloons were launched into the air as his mom, Amanda Duley, talked about her son.
"He loved people," said Duley. "He was so sensitive as to what people were doing around him and their needs; even at 5, he was a big people person."
Caleb was riding with his parents and 3-month-old brother when the crash happened. Everyone but Caleb survived.
Caleb's grandma, Angela Hall, was first on the scene that day.
"We didn't know it was Amanda in the accident and when I got there they called two Aeromeds to the accident to get Amanda and the baby," said Hall.
The Detroit Tigers were Caleb's favorite team, so loved ones launched orange, blue and white balloons into the air.
"He was a kid that could sit through the ball game," said Amanda Duley. "Not very many kids did."
Caleb even had the opportunity to meet a few players from the Detroit Tigers. Since Caleb's tragic death, the family hasn't returned to Comerica Park since.
"He got to run around the bases" said Duley. "That was so fun for him, he actually cried when he couldn't do it again.
Gabriel, Caleb's younger brother, hasn't completely healed from the crash.
"He still has a little fluid on his right side, but we're slowly getting discharged from all the doctors, so he's starting to heal which is wonderful."
His family said it may have been a year since they lost Caleb, but they'll always remember and cherish his smile.
Love ones started a nonprofit organization in Caleb's memory called Caleb's Closet. The organization collects clothes, toys, and food for families in need.
Over 300 families have been assisted since the organization began.
Click here to learn more about Caleb's Closet.
