SNYDER, Texas — A head-on collision on July 4 claimed the life of nine-year-old Julius C.J. Ceasar Rendon.
"He was definitely a big part of my fiancé's life, being our youngest. He was a big part of our lives,” CJ's mother's fiancé, Ryan Realsola, shared.
The Texas Department Of Public Safety preliminary crash report said the crash happened around 10 p.m. where the SUV Rendon was in collided with a pickup truck. CJ was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the report.
Since the crash, his family now reminisces on how special he was to everyone.
"A great, great young kid. Love football, love being loved, being outdoors, loved being with his father, for sure. He lit up a room whenever he was in there, but usually the loudest one in the room. But he was full of energy,” Realsola continued.
The family sends its thanks to everyone from Snyder and across West Texas who have donated. They surpassed the initial fundraising goal by more than $100.
Monica Mayfield lost her stepson in a crash two years ago to the day of the crash that took CJ's life. She used her baking talents to created a cake raffle dedicated to helping the family with funeral costs and helping CJ’s mother as much as possible.
"I wanted to be able to use a little bit of her burden, even if it was just financially, because there's nothing that can ease that other. It's just, you know, you just have to get to the next day. It's a nightmare for her right now. And I know it. I lived it,” Mayfield explained.
Mayfield said she’s raised about $4,000 for the family and plans to give it to CJ’s mother as soon as possible.
CJ’s obituary said he was most excited for the upcoming football season and was looking forward to starting practices with his team.