LANCASTER, N.Y. (WKBW) — The parents of 10-year-old Levi Zielonka, who was killed in a crash on Friday, are thanking the community for support as they remember their son.
"Our family is devastated by our loss," the family said in a statement to 7 News. "We are grateful for the time we had with our amazing boy. We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and appreciate respect for our privacy at this time."
Levi was a passenger in a car that was hit by another vehicle around 8:40 p.m. Friday at the intersection of Broadway and Schwartz in Lancaster.
Lancaster Police told 7 News charges are expected to be filed "in the near future" against the driver who crashed into Levi. Speed and alcohol are believed to have been factors. Police are working with the Erie County Forensic Crime Lab and the Erie County District Attorney's Office to try to "expedite the investigation," according to a detective.
Karen Green, principal at St. Joseph School in Batavia, described Levi as an "awesome kid" who always had a smile on his face and never said an unkind word to anyone.
"We were so blessed to know him," Mrs. Green said in a phone interview with 7 News. "He taught us a lot of life lessons in his 10 years, and we're just so grateful to be a part of that. We miss him already, and so do his friends."
In addition to singing in church and learning to play piano, Levi loved sports and was a big fan of the Bills and Sabres.
According to his obituary, people are encouraged to wear their favorite sports jersey or other team attire to Levi's funeral this weekend.
