PHOENIX — It was an emotional goodbye on Saturday as friends and family remembered a 23-year-old Phoenix man killed in a crash caused by a suspected impaired driver on March 3.
A vigil was held at Sahuaro Ranch Park in Glendale to remember Leo Kelly.
It wasn't an easy goodbye for the dozens who showed up to honor someone who they described as fun, caring and someone who had so much life still to live.
Phoenix police told 12News Kelly was killed March 3 around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of 23rd Avenue and Happy Valley Road. Authorities said Kelly was trying to turn left when he was hit by another vehicle. The cars careened into the back of a Valley Metro bus that was parked at a bus stop. The other driver was taken to a hospital with serious injuries. Kelly died at the scene.
Authorities believe impairment was a factor in the crash.
Kelly's girlfriend and closest friends say he was very special.
"He was the life of the party," Kaylynn Dawe, Kelly's girlfriend, said. "He tried to make everyone smile, he was the kindest soul a very old soul. He was a beautiful man, he had big dreams and goals for himself. He was very strong and I can't believe this would happen to him."
"I've known him since he was a little boy I coached him in football," another friend said. "He was a great kid and it's unfortunate that he lost his life to the hands of an irresponsible driver, but, I'm praying that nobody else decides to get behind the wheel drunk and taking another life because this young soul and this family are hurting right now."
Friends said Kelly loved cars, caring for others and making everyone smile. He also loved basketball.
His mother told 12News she appreciated everyone who came out to the vigil, and that it brought her comfort knowing how much he was loved by so many.
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