'Ghost tire memorial' in Hawthorne honors 13-year-old fatally struck while crossing street

HAWTHORNE, Calif. (KABC) -- The family of a 13-year-old boy fatally struck by a driver in Hawthorne gathered for a memorial Saturday to honor his life and the lives of hundreds of others killed in traffic collisions.

On Jan. 8, Michael Leon was crossing the street on El Segundo Boulevard with his dad and sister when they were struck. They had been on their way home from the laundromat.

The father suffered minor injuries but the teenage boy lost his life, and the boy's sister escaped without injury.

READ MORE | Vigil held for 13-year-old boy struck and killed while crossing street with family in Hawthorne

Family members and friends are mourning the loss of a 13-year-old boy who was fatally struck by a vehicle in Hawthorne while crossing a street with his family.

Two ghost tires were placed at Truro Avenue and El Segundo Boulevard; one for Michael and one honoring World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic victims.

"This tragic death has left us with our broken hearts," said a speaker at the event. "I invite you mothers and fathers to take responsibility regarding how speed kills."

The event will be hosted by the nonprofits SAFE (Streets Are For Everyone), SRK, (Street Racing Kills), and Faith for Safer Streets.