Grandmother talks about 5-year-old accident victim

MILWAUKEE – Cassandra Harriell’s grief is heavy after she lost her 5-year-old grandson, Jaylen Sloan, in a car accident.

Jaylen and his twin brother Jaylon were riding in an SUV with their father last Friday when he crashed near North 81st Street and Hampton Avenue.

“He had such a beautiful smile. He was so full of life, funny and loved his brother,” Harriell told TMJ4 News.

Cassandra Harriell holds a photo of her grandson Jaylen Sloan. The 5-year-old died after a car accident in Milwaukee.

Milwaukee police say speed is believed to be a factor in the crash. A report from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office shows the driver had been drinking. Investigators believe the children were sitting in the front seat without seat belts. There were booster seats in the rear of the vehicle.

Jaylen was hospitalized for his injuries, but his condition deteriorated. The 5-year-old died early Sunday morning.

Watch: grandmother talks about 5-year-old child who died in an accident:

‘It just broke me’: Grandmother talks about 5-year-old accident victim

“It just broke me because he didn’t deserve that. He won’t live to see his sixth birthday. He won’t graduate with his brother or ride his bike,” Harriell explained. ‘The person who was supposed to love and protect them: their father. It’s the worst pain you can ever feel.’

Jaylon is staying with his grandmother for now, waiting to go home, where he shared a room with his brother.

Teaira Harriell shared these photos of her twin boys, Jaylen and Jaylon.

From visits to grandma’s house to the movies and going to school, the identical twins did everything together with so much joy.

‘I told him this morning. He’s in heaven and he said, ‘No, Grandma, he’s in the hospital. He’s coming home.’ How do you explain to him that he’s never coming back?'” Harriell said through tears.

Jaylen’s handprints now hang on Harriell’s wall, surrounded by photos of him and his brother.

Jaylen's grandmother received a copy of his handprints after his death.

The Halloween costume Jaylen will never wear is close.

These are all painful memories as Harriell tries to stay strong for her family.

“Just hold your kids and love them. Please don’t drink and drive,” Harriell said.

Jaylen’s family plans to hold a vigil at the crash site Tuesday evening. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office is investigating possible charges.

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