AVENTURA, FLA. (WSVN) - - A heartbroken community came together to mourn an 8-year-old boy who fell to his death from a high-rise in Aventura.
Loved ones held a procession for Justin Fernandes-Pedra along Northeast 188th Street, Sunday. It ended at Peace Park, where participants created a display with candles, flowers and teddy bears.
Those who took part in the solemn occasion were asked to wear white tops as a symbol of purity.
“My son loved life, and I will always remember him; and we will always love him,” the boy’s mother said.
Members of the community stopped by to leave flowers and stuffed animals in the child’s honor. Candles were also left in a circle surrounding the letter “J.”
Family members described Fernandes-Pedra as an adventurer who traveled from city to city to compete in go-kart racing. Photos shared by the family showed the boy and his father side-by-side at competitions. Relatives said his father would travel across South America to support him at races.
“He was a person, a boy with so much life,” his father said. “I don’t have the words to tell you all who are here, sharing in the great pain that I feel, because I know I will never see him again in my life.”
Fernandes-Pedra was killed after falling from the 12th floor of Echo Aventura. Police said their initial investigation revealed the fall was accidental.
According to investigators, Fernandes-Pedra climbed up to the top of the building with his little brother and jumped to his death, believing the playground cover below was a giant trampoline.
According to a GoFund me page created for the family, the young boy was from Aruba, and his family would like to take him back home for a proper burial. If you would like to help with the travel and funeral cost click here.
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