3-Year-Old Lyndreth Sage Antone Killed In Hit & Run Crash In Denver, Suspect In Custody

DENVER (CBS4) - A Denver family and community is mourning the loss of a toddler killed in a hit and run crash on New Year's Eve. Lyndreth Sage Antone, 3, was hit by a driver while walking home with his dad, according to a GoFundMe page organized by the family.

Police responded to the scene at South Lowell Boulevard and Morrison Road around 6:35 p.m. Thursday. Investigators said the driver identified as Jordan Montiel-Vazquez fled the scene but was later taken into custody at a home in Aurora. He remains in custody without bond on investigation of leaving the scene of an accident involving death.

On Friday, the community gathered to remember the little boy they called Sage.

"Just a child full of live just brought a lot joy and charisma and those types of things to the room where he was at, he was a kid that stole the show," family friend Carl Martinez said.

Martinez was with the family as they returned to the intersection where the crash occurred. He says they are relieved to know the person believed to be responsible is off the streets.

"He's got his demons he has to deal with now, he took the life of an innocent child," he said.

Right now, he says they're focusing their energy on honoring and remembering Sage.

"He's touched a lot of lives and this is evidence of it," Martinez said.

Dozens of people stood in the cold to show their support for the family, "I've known them since before they had a kid the day he was born he was a blessing."

They hope the candles, flowers, and toys left behind will not only serve as a memorial but a message to everyone about a problem that impacts the entire city.

"This is the result of summons irresponsible driving, this isn't just a family issue this is a community issue a city issue," Martinez said, "I just wish people would consider the people the pedestrians on the street the bicyclist and understand that there are people who traverse this city and not always in the car."

The family says the loss is devastating to them at a time when they are already struggling to make ends meet.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help rally support for the family, Martinez says if you're not a position to donate, they will take prayers as well.

"He was such an inspiring young boy full of joy and happiness that had a whole life in front of him that didn't deserve for this to happen, he was a wonderful 3-year-old and has been a key member to the family, we are so devastated from this incident and are struggling to make ends meet that we ask for assistance with any help we can get," stated the family on the GoFundMe page.

The family is collecting donations to help pay for the child's funeral. To donate, click here.