“Deep in my heart I knew it was him”

FORT MYERS, Florida – Last Sunday was Father’s Day.

And it comforts us to know that a Fort Myers father was able to spend some time with his son, because three days later the unbearable happened.

Police told us that 12-year-old Andrew Sullivan was struck and killed by an SUV on Tuesday while riding his scooter near Crystal Drive, a popular shortcut for motorists.

On Wednesday, FOX 4’s Bella Line met Andy’s father, Brian, at the roadside memorial, where a community’s love is quickly blossoming.

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“One of the most amazing kids I’ve ever met in my life,” Brian said.

A life lost at the age of only 12.

“I turned right here onto Aldridge Street and tried to call him. I tried to use GPS 360 but I couldn’t get through. I went home and looked for the scooter but it wasn’t there. Deep down in my heart I knew it was him,” Sullivan said of Tuesday’s tragic events.

Bella Line

Andrew’s family keeps his memory close to their hearts with a memorial consisting of a few balloons, stuffed animals and trinkets left behind by friends, family and even people who heard about the tragedy.

“People come by all the time,” Sullivan said. “It’s unbelievable. It’s a huge crowd, but Andrew was very, very well known.”

A brother, son, friend and artist, his family has shared videos with Fox 4 of Andy playing guitar, a passion he taught himself.

Sullivan family

His friends tell us that he brightened the room with his humor.

“He was a really talented person,” said one of his friends. “He could really play guitar and was just really talented at a lot of things.”

“His dad gave me a football and him a basketball. I think I’ll just hang it up somewhere. Just a memory of him. I’ve known him since I was born,” said another friend.

WFTX

Memories that now live on in a memorial near Crystal Drive.

“It’s not something you plan for as a parent,” Sullivan said. “You never want to be the one whose child dies before you. You know, it’s devastating. It’s really devastating.”

Friends of Andy’s family have set up a Facebook account with information on how they can help the family financially during this time. Click here for more information.