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Kimberly Houk ReportingIt's been one year since a six-year old boy died after being hit by a drunk driver in Magna. Today a memorial was built in honor of Darius Smith.
His friends and family called him Buddha -- a little boy they all remember as having a smile that could light up a room. Today many of Buddha's friends came to his grave and built a memorial with yellow roses.
It's been one year, but for the Smith family it still feels like yesterday that 21-year old Tory Jacques got drunk then got behind the wheel of car. The Smith family was walking to a McDonald's in Magna, when police say, Jacque's car jumped the curb and ran right into the family. Buddha died instantly.
Desi Smith, Brother: “He was like my brother and my best friend. He always made me smile, and everything about him was just great.”
Liza Smith, Mother: “It's been one year this week, and it feels like ten. I miss him so much. There's no way to fill that."
The Smith family says they want to keep Buddha's memory alive. They don't want people to forget about the tragedies that can happen when people choose to drink and drive.
Liza Smith is also working hard to stiffen the penalties in Utah for those who are convicted of vehicular homicide. Right now Utah law has a one to 15 year mandatory sentencing guideline for this conviction. Smith says that's not enough and she's working with legislators to get it changed.
Tory Jacques will be sentenced next Friday.
