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Kimberly Houk ReportingThere were many tears and hugs in Magna today as a family laid to rest their six-year old son. Darius Joseph Smith was killed by a drunk driver last Saturday night. Today the family honored the little boy they called "Buddha".
Many families went hand in hand to an LDS ward house in Magna today to remember the little boy they say had a contagious smile. Buddha was going to Kindergarten at Lincoln Elementary. He'd just barely learned to write his name, and his family said he loved to draw.
But all that came to a halt last Saturday when an alleged drunk driver rolled up onto a sidewalk in Magna and struck the entire family, instantly killing Buddha. His father and siblings are still in the hospital recovering. The driver, Tory Jacks, is in jail charged with automobile homicide, driving under the influence, and aggravated assault.
Today the focus of the funeral was on forgiveness and letting go of anger. They also remembered the little boy whose life was tragically cut short.
Theresa Baker, Neighbor: “I just remember his smile. He just smiled; he had a great smile.”
Ed Nunn, Family Friend: “He was a great child. Full of love, loved pizza rolls and the cartoon network.”
Buddha's older brother Desi attended the funeral in a wheelchair. His family says he's learning to walk again, while his sister could not make it to the funeral. Earlier today she had an allergic reaction to one of the medications she's taking and she's still recovering from that.
It was a very sad day for the Smith family, but they did want to thank the public for all the support and financial contributions they've received.
