Thirteen-year-old Steven "Big Stevey" Mendoza passed away in front of Main Prairie High School Friday night.
He collapsed suddenly while walking with friends on the 300 block of C Street, according to the Dixon Police Department. He was pronounced dead about an hour later at Sutter Davis Hospital. Details about the cause of death are not yet known.
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At Saturday's memorial, Stevey's favorite music was played as attendees lit candles and paid tribute to his memory. Red balloons (Stevey's favorite color) were handed out to those in attendance.
People brought t-shirts and teddy bears to lay at the spot where he fell down. Stevey's stepmother spoke briefly before the balloons were released. A youth pastor spoke as well, along with tearful stories told by many others.
The Dixon Teen Center, a frequent hangout for Stevey, had been open since 2 p.m. that day and many of his friends had been there for hours talking about what happened on Friday night.
Stevey was a boy who could light a room up with his smile, according to friends and family. Here are some memories that were shared on Facebook by those close to him:
- "RIP Steven :(( i didnt believe it til i saw those candles in front of maine prarie last nite imma miss youu :("
- "Cant sleep today was one of the saddest days in my life rip Steven Mendoza forever in our hearts:'("
- "Mijo no puedo creerlo ...sabes q siempre tuvimos carino por ti y siempre te recordaremos y viviras en nuestros corazones"
- "I love You lil stevey Ima miss you;'''("
- "One of the hardest thing to [believe] is that you won't be here anymore:'( but ... You will always be in our hearts because at some point of our lives you were here for us♥ Those laughs & funny talks we went through , Imma Miss It .. Your voice laugh&You</3"
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