Vigil held for teen killed in hit & run

FARMINGTON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Friends and family came together Friday night in Farmington to remember a teenager who was hit and killed by a car earlier this week.

The whole community is trying to come to terms with the painful loss of such a young life.

Students, parents, coaches and teachers walk the lonely dirt road to the Farmington Boat House.

"We are going to remember Mateusz and hope it gets better soon," said Kate Alperin.

The Boat House is where they feel the closest to 14-year-old Mateusz Maciulewski. He had a passion for rowing, and was going to be part of the crew team next year, but on Monday Mateusz was struck by a car while trying to cross Farmington Ave.

"On Monday I was with him right before he got on the bus," said Alperin, "and I wasn't expecting to see him, and we were at the Farmington library, and I was walking home, he yelled 'Kate' and I ran and hugged him and it was nice. And then..."

Mateusz got on the bus, but never made it home.

Word spread quickly of a young life cut short.

"I went straight to the hospital to see him," said Kate Mahar.

"And did you get a chance to see him," asked News 8's Bob Wilson.

"Yes, I held his hand. It was great. It was the last time, but I was so grateful to have those last moments with him," Mahar said.

"It was right up the road from my house and I didn't think much of it," said Howard Fuller, "until that evening when I got the e-mail from the coach and I was dumbfounded."

"I went home and hugged my kid, which is all you really can do," said Coach Laura Butterfield.