Edgar Nuñez-Hernandez, 13, was a well-loved eighth-grader at Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School.
He was a news anchor on the Aztec Morning News, student council vice president and a member of National Junior Honors Society.
He was "compassionate," "focused" and driven to go to college and become a neurosurgeon, Mitzy Supple-Hernandez, his cousin, said. Only in junior high, he was already looking into scholarship opportunities to pay for higher education.
But he won't get that chance.
Nunez-Hernandez was one of seven people injured Monday night when a car failed to stop at a red light near Yuma Road and Wildflower Drive. He later died of his injuries at a hospital, Goodyear police said.
A vigil is planned for 8 p.m. Sunday at Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, 9401 W Garfield St, Tolleson, AZ 85353. Attendees are asked to bring a candle and wear a black or purple shirt, Supple-Hernandez said.
Supple-Hernandez said the family is "deeply saddened" that Nunez-Hernandez, a boy who made everyone laugh, is gone.
"I can't believe it. I know in reality it happened. But there's a part of me that wishes it's just a joke and he just comes back," Supple-Hernandez said.
Supple-Hernandez said her cousin tried to look for ways to help other kids.
"He was everywhere in school. There was not a person who didn't know him," she said.
Cynthia Mills, the principal of Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary School, had many personal interactions with Nunez-Hernandez. She said he would volunteer twice a month at the school's farmer's market.
When there were special guests visiting the school, Nunez-Hernandez was the student who toured them around the campus and was willing to pitch in wherever help was needed.
"He always welcomed new students, wanted everyone to be included and that's a rare quality for a middle-school child to always hold up those standards," Mills said.
Tolleson Mayor Anna Tovar posted on Facebook about Nunez-Hernandez's death.
"On behalf of City of Tolleson council members and our entire staff, we send our deepest condolences as we mourn the passing of Porfirio H. Gonzales Elementary student Edgar Nuñez Hernandez," Tovar wrote.
Lisa Kutis, a spokeswoman for Goodyear police, said the crash reconstruction and investigation are underway and likely won't be completed for at least a week. Once the investigation is complete, police will determine whether charges will be recommended, Kutis said.
A GoFundMe page has been organized and had already raised almost $8,000 of its $15,000 goal as of 7 a.m. Friday. Funds will help with funeral expenses for Nuñez-Hernandez and medical expenses for his brother, Eledier Nuñez, who is still in the hospital, the page states.