Vigil held for 9-year-old struck, killed by van in Irvine

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- A vigil was held Sunday evening for a 9-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a van in Irvine.

Shortly after 3 p.m. Friday, Kevin Jiang was riding his bicycle at the intersection of Roosevelt and Bay Tree when a 57-year-old man driving a van hit him. The driver remained at the scene to help Kevin.

Irvine police officers and the Orange County Fire Authority responded to the scene and the child was taken to a nearby hospital. He succumbed to his injuries a short time later.

At the vigil, Kevin's father was overcome by grief as he addressed those in attendance. Kevin's family had recently moved from China and the boy was attending Cyprus Elementary School.

Kevin was learning Tae Kwon Do and love music, science was a Cub Scout, according to friends and family.

After the vigil, parents and their children walked to the intersection of Roosevelt and Bay Tree where the crash happened. They left behind candles, flowers, stuffed animals, pictures of Kevin and signs telling drivers to slow down.

The driver's identity has not been released and an investigation was ongoing.

Anyone with information was asked to contact IPD Traffic Sgt. Matt August at (949) 724-7023.