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Boy killed in crash had an inner 'spark'

A 5-year-old boy killed Monday by a passing car on Carbondale's northeast side is being remembered this week for his "spark" and "energy."

Amar Philippe of DeSoto was killed shortly before 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 13 when he was struck by a vehicle in the 500 block of North Wall Street.

Police determined the child entered the roadway on foot and was struck by the northbound vehicle.

The driver attempted to swerve to avoid the child but was unable to do so. After striking the child, the vehicle reportedly left the roadway, struck a utility pole and came to rest west of the roadway.

The child was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner's Office. The driver of the vehicle was unharmed.

Philippe's mother, Apryl Philippe, told the Times her son just celebrated his fifth birthday Aug. 3 and was to begin kindergarten this week.

"I can say he was very popular," she said. "He loved anyone and everyone and was very loved among many people in the community. His smile and energy could light up any situation. He was my little helper, he always had a spark inside. Every day, I told Amar he was so special. He has touched many lives just be being present."

Philippe said her son loved sports including baseball, soccer and swimming. He also loved all kinds of animals, she said, even leaving cheese for the mice during the winter.

Philippe said her son was not in her care at the time of the accident, but rather with the family of the boy's father's girlfriend.

"I have no clue why he was passing a road," she said. "That hasn't been answered. However, he wasn't escorted or really supervised with the adults he was with. They reported the vehicle came out of nowhere. I'm a great mother and feel he had inadequate supervision."

Police say the investigation is continuing, and the results will be presented to the state's attorney. The driver has not been identified.

A fundraiser has been set up at gofundme.com/service- expenses-for-apryls-son.

Geoff Ritter photoA makeshift memorial to Amar Philippe has taken form at Attucks Park, just feet from where the 5-year-old boy was killed by a passing car Monday.