MILWAUKEE – Cassandra Harriell’s pain runs deep after losing her 5-year-old grandson, Jaylen Sloan, to a car accident.

Jaylen and his twin brother, Jaylon, were riding in a pickup truck with their father last Friday when it crashed near North 81st Street and Hampton Avenue.

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

Speed ​​is believed to be a factor in the crash, according to the Milwaukee Police Department. A report from the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office indicates the driver is believed to have been drinking. Investigators assume the children were riding in the front seat without seat belts. The booster seats were in the rear of the vehicle.

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

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

Jaylon is staying at his grandmother’s house for now, waiting to return home, where he shared a room with his brother.

From visits to grandma’s house to the movies and starting school, the identical twins happily did everything together.

“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 are now on Harriell’s wall, surrounded by pictures of him and his brother.

The Halloween costume Jaylen will never wear is near.

They are all painful reminders as Harriell tries to stay strong for her family.

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

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

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