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Hundreds gather to remember Highland Springs football player

Posted at 4:33 PM, Dec 02, 2011
and last updated 2012-01-08 22:06:56-05

HENRICO COUNTY, VA (WTVR) – 17 year-old D’Shawn Lewis was no ordinary high school football player. His dream was to play with the NFL. He was also well-loved, which is why it was so fitting for hundreds of people to mourn his loss on the Highland Springs High school football field.

Lewis died Wednesday night. Police say he was on his way home from track when he was hit by an SUV crossing Airport Drive.

D’Shawn’s aunt, Tiera Jackson, tells us she thinks the driver should be charged.

“I believe it was an accident, but the driver took something from us and what you took away was very strong to all of us.”, she said.

During the hour long vigil Thursday night, the band played as friends and family of the young student, some clutching hands, balloons and candles, prayed for him and his family.

D’Shawn’s friend, Tripp Getchell says the vigil was emotional.

“He would have liked it also. Releasing the balloons and lighting the candles was great”, he said.

Forty-three balloons were released, representing his jersey number.

“Everyone loved him. No one had a problem with D. Lewis. Everybody loved D. Lewis”, said another friend Malek Winston.

D’Shawn’s family tells CBS 6 they are working on funeral arrangements while police continue their investigation into the accident.