Vigil held for Bridgeport boy killed in Florida car crash – NBC Connecticut

We remember the life of a Bridgeport boy who touched the hearts of his family and teachers. Five-year-old Kamdien Edwards was one of nine people killed in a car crash in Florida earlier this month.

“I love him and I know I will miss him very much,” said Paul Rayno, Kamdien’s father.

The pain of losing his son is still present, even weeks after a family vacation that ended tragically.

“There is no one who can replace him. Even if I had 10 more children, he would still be that special boy. There is nothing that can replace that boy,” Rayno said.

Kamdien Edwards was one of nine people killed in a car crash in Palm Beach County, Florida, on August 5. Many of them were from Bridgeport or had ties to the city.

On Tuesday evening, she was remembered at a candlelight vigil. Anntianette Edwards described her son as always happy.

“He wouldn't want us to cry or break down like that. He would want us to just celebrate and be happy when we remember him,” she said.

Memories that Kamdien's preschool teachers at Discovery Magnet School hold close to their hearts. They say he loved everything about the school.

“Usually the kids would pick one or two things. With Kamdien, it was like that all day long,” said Ashley DeLorenzo, Kamdien's teacher.

They will also remember the joy he brought to others.

“I just remember his beautiful smile on the playground as he played with the kids. Just a happy boy,” said Sandalee Sotomayor, Kamdien's teacher.

The teachers say they will support Kamdien's family in any way they can. Rayno said listening to them talk about him shows he will always love his son.

“The memories will live on here forever, until I die,” he said.

The family said its attention will now turn to Kamdien's funeral, which will take place this Thursday in Bridgeport. Meanwhile, the NTSB said the accident remains under investigation.