The spot where Jahiem Robertson, 13, was run down and killed by a suspected drunk driver last week is now a symbol of love for he and his family.
A roadside memorial is overflowing with balloons, teddy bears, mementoes, and signs of support for the family paralyzed with grief.
“They’re hurt, they’re confused, they’re upset, they’re mad,” said Tony Kirk, the father of Kalen Kirk, who was hit and killed while trying to catch his bus last year.
Tony stopped by to visit with Robertson’s parents Monday morning because he understands the roller coaster of emotions better than most.
“Obviously I know what this family is going through. It’s just so heartbreaking. I wish I didn’t know what they are going through, I just really felt compelled to come out and lend some support to them,” he said.
Kirk describes Robertson’s parents as “broken” — and who can blame them.
The suspected drunk driver, John Camfield, remains in the Polk County Jail on a 600-thousand dollar bond.
“Once we have one of these kids in our classrooms, they become one of our kids,” said Teresa King, Jahiem’s former teacher at Sandhill Elementary in Dundee.
Over the weekend, King got the ball rolling on a fundraiser page — with the parents’ blessing — to help the family cope with the sudden tragedy.
Within 24 hours there were already more than one thousand shares and more than three thousand in donations.
“They are very, very grateful — so very grateful — for the community’s support,” she said. “They definitely feel the love and feel very blessed.”
The communities of Dundee and Poinciana started rallying behind the victims’ families immediately.
Some good news on Monday: the other boy who was critically injured, Juan Mena, is now home from the hospital and will start his long road to recovery.
For more information on how you can help donate to the daily of Jahiem Robertson, visit the fundraising site at https://www.youcaring.com/jaheimrobertson-812919.
