CHICAGO (WGN) — Young football players gathered together on Tuesday to remember their fallen teammate by celebrating the short yet impactful life of their friend with a balloon release and vigil.

Nine-year-old Anakin Perez, a fourth-grade student at Ronald E. McNair Elementary School, died the morning of Thursday, Sept. 18, after being hit by a car in Austin. Perez played for the Oriole Falcons 9U football team. On the same field in which they played football, Perez's teammates embraced his family.

"We're here to accept all the love and support because we need it. We're weak right now. Without him, we feel lost," said Anna Perez, the aunt of Anakin Perez.

The team's head coach, Sam Filpi, recalled Perez's infectious energy.

"Anakin was always laughing, always wanted to catch the ball,

See Full Page