Funeral held for 15-month-old struck, killed in Hawthorne DUI crash

HAWTHORNE, Calif. (KABC) -- Family and friends gathered in Hawthorne on Monday for the funeral of MMA fighter Marcus Kowal's 15-month-old son, who was killed after being struck by a suspected drunk driver.

More than 500 people joined the Kowal family in baby Liam's celebration of life at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hawthorne.

Family members remembered the little boy and talked about the joy he brought into their lives.

"Liam was and is the light of our lives. He taught me who I am, how to love, who I want to be. He taught me to be so grateful for life. I'm so grateful that I got to be his momma," said mother Mishel Eder.

Liam died after he was hit by a suspected drunk driver while being pushed in a stroller on Sept. 3.

The driver, 72-year-old Donna Marie Higgins, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.

"I am not angry, but I have not forgiven and I will never forgive. But I just want to make sure that there's justice for Liam," Eder added.

MMA star Marcus Kowal expressed his appreciation for everyone's support.

"As horrific this week has been, I've never seen or felt this much love," he said. "All because of Liam."