LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

Family, friends, and neighbors filled Algonquin Park on Sunday to honor the life of 5-year-old Elious “Eli” Rayne with a balloon release at the place where he last laughed and played.

The vigil focused on love, memory, and community as those who knew Eli shared stories, prayers, and quiet moments of reflection.

“He played here Tuesday morning, and we wanted to come here because we knew he just had fun here, so we could at least remember some of the smiles,” said Eli’s grandmother, Toni Bindner.

“I’m going to miss him so much. I don’t know what we’re going to do without him around.”

Orange balloons, Eli’s favorite, rose into a sky streaked with rainbow colors.

Bindner spoke about his joyful personality.

“Every time I got to see him, he was just so excited,” she said

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