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Memorial Held For Boy Killed In Lawrence Co. Accident

NEW CASTLE (KDKA) - A somber remembrance was held Tuesday night for a young boy who was killed while playing in his front yard over the weekend.

With heavy hearts, the community gathered to remember 7-year-old Octavius Stone.

"He was only 7-years-old. So full of life and loving. He had the whole world ahead of him to be whatever he wanted to be," his mother, Chanet Jones, said.

Jones was surrounded by family, friends and their pastor during the memorial. Her son was killed Sunday afternoon, after a truck driven by Virgil Coonfare veered into the yard where Octavius and his friend, 9-year-old Ozzy Velez, were playing.

"My baby was a beautiful baby," Jones said. "He was just playing, minding his own business. Just playing like a little kid should be allowed to play outside."

"A great boy, taken away by someone with absolutely no regret. Sorry doesn't cut it. He took my son away," Kris Stone, said.

Ozzy was able to join the vigil after surviving the accident, but used a walker while he recovers from the injuries.

The two boys were standing near steps of a home on Winslow Street in New Castle where Octavius lived. A yellow truck barreled through the yard and Ozzy tried to push his friend out of harm's way.

He died a short time after the accident.

"I had to watch my baby die right here," Jones said. "He was special. He was so special."

Witnesses said Coonfare kept on driving after hitting the boys.

Police said he was intoxicated, could not walk straight and was wearing only one shoe when he was taken into custody down the street from the accident.

He has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and aggravated assault.

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