4-Year-Old Boy Who Died In Oakland Crash Memorialized: 'He Loved Kisses'

OAKLAND, NJ — A week after a 4-year-old was struck and killed by a car in Oakland, N.J., the boy's father gave an update in a message on a fundraising account.

On July 24, a woman was walking home from a pediatrics appointment when a vehicle slammed into her and her three children at an intersection, according to officials and reports.

She was with her two boys, 5 and 4, and her 9-month-old baby girl. The younger boy died, the older boy was hospitalized, and the mom and baby were treated and released.

A funeral service was held for Jalen "Chiquito" Gomez over the weekend.

Carlos Gomez, Jalen's father, said in an update last weekend that the family's other son, who is 5 and also injured in the crash, is recovering from jaw surgery after the crash, "And he misses his little brother."

He said he wanted to share more about young Jalen.

"We want to thank everyone who has supported us through this incredibly difficult time," he wrote. "This past week has changed our lives in ways that are difficult to express, but the love and support you've poured into our family have helped us take each day at a time....

"We want to share more about Jalen and his precious life. As the middle child, Jalen was the most affectionate one, with so much love for his baby sister, older brother, and cousins. He was never grumpy, always ready to spread his love in every direction. He loved kisses, and his laugh was contagious."

He added, "We will miss his hugs and especially his ear rubs—he loved to rub our ears. He was a very expressive child, showing his excitement with active jumps and flapping hands. He also loved dinosaurs and would wake his baby sister up with loud roars. She now roars at us, and she's been doing it this whole week, a sign that he's still with us and will always remain in our hearts...

"We ask for your continued prayers for our eldest son's recovery and for our family's healing."

The fundraiser, started by a neighbor, has raised more than $100,000 for the family.

READ MORE: 4-Year-Old Oakland Boy Dies After Family Struck By Vehicle

The fundraiser can be found here.