COCHRAN, Ga. — This afternoon, a Bleckley County family held a balloon release in memory of seven-year-old Mitchell Holiday.
His former Bleckley County Primary County School teachers came to share their condolences and support the family. They say Holiday was loved by all his classmates and described him as kind, always smiling, a helper, and a hard worker.
The school's support dog counselor and social workers were at the school today to support students and staff.
Mitchell's mother, Cynthia Byrd, says news of the accident was a devastating blow to the whole family.
"They said that he was standing on the back of the truck and his papa didn't even know he was on the truck, so once he found out he was devastated too," Byrd said.
Byrd says she would do anything to get her son back and he meant the world to her. Now, there are just memories left of Holiday.
According to Georgia State Patrol, Holiday was standing on the back bumper of his grandfather's SUV. They say his grandfather didn't know he was there.
Holiday fell off near the intersection of Porter and Westside Road. Byrd says Holiday's grandfather is heartbroken.
"Once he found out, he was devastated too," Byrd said.
Alexius Woodfaulk says what happened to her nephew is unbelievable.
"In order for me to have peace somebody's got to come towards me and give me that closure that I need," Woodfaulk said.
Bleckley County Sheriff Daniel Cape says the driver will not be charged.
Bleckley County Primary School had a support dog, counselor, and social worker on hand to help his classmates and teachers through this tragic time.
To support the family, you can find their GoFundMe here.