9-year-old Easton Beisler died in an accident in South Jersey that also involved football coach Addie Ortiz. Vigil in Cape May County honors

PALERMO, New Jersey (WPVI) — Hundreds of people gathered in Cape May County Sunday evening to celebrate the life of a 9-year-old boy who died in a car accident last week.

A grief-stricken community in Palermo, New Jersey, gathered in dozens to pray and support one another just days after the death of Easton Beisler.

“Easton embodied a life we ​​could all aspire to,” Easton’s teacher said tearfully to the large crowd.

The fatal two-car crash occurred Thursday night in Vineland outside the Romano Sports Complex.

According to police, the motorcycle of 31-year-old Addiel Ortiz collided with a Chevrolet Traverse in which the boy was traveling with his mother.

Ortiz, who worked as a youth football coach for the Vineland Blitz, was also killed in the accident.

At the vigil, youth coaches who knew Easton spoke about the boy and how his presence was felt. Easton played basketball, baseball, soccer and football for the Upper Township Indians.

“To say Easton will be missed is an understatement,” a coach told the crowd.

Neighbors, friends and teammates showed their emotional side and praised Easton for his athleticism and leadership qualities.

“As the kids would say, 'He had a game,'” said Anthony Jackson, who coached Easton in basketball.

“He was exceptional in football. He was the type of boy that others were attracted to and wanted to emulate,” said another coach.

Local residents couldn't say enough about Easton, the athlete with the number 23.

“He was the best kid. He always talked to me. He always asked me how I was doing. He always cleaned up after himself,” said Wes Yakopcic, another coach.

Action News learned that the Vineland Blitz football team was hosting the Upper Township Indians the night of the crash.

Outside the sports complex, balloon-filled memorials honor the lives of Easton and Ortiz, who not only devoted his time to coaching but was also a devoted and loving father.

“It's a tragedy. The young man didn't even get a chance to live his life, and coach Addie didn't get a chance to live his. He's only 31 and has four kids,” said Jerome Clements, who trained with Ortiz for four years.

A GoFundMe campaign to support Easton's family has raised over $100,000.

A candlelight vigil in Ortiz's honor is planned for Monday at 7 p.m. at the Romano Sports Complex.