22-03-2025
‘A big ball of sunshine': Vigil held in honor of 4-year-old
CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) — Tragedy has struck the Cheektowaga community as family and friends mourned the loss of a young boy who they said drowned yesterday. Loved ones gathered for a balloon release on Friday in his honor.
Family members confirmed to WIVB News 4 the young boy's name was Josiah.
'Personally, I think I'm in shock a little bit,' said Tatyona Colbert, Josiah's aunt. 'It's a feeling that you can't really explain.'
On Thursday, Cheektowaga Police responded to a call on Constance Lane of a child found unresponsive in a private pool. First responders began life-saving efforts, but Josiah was later pronounced dead at Oishei Children's Hospital.
Family members said the last 24 hours have been a whirlwind of emotions.
'I'm unable to rest, eat … just a ball of emotions,' said Gwendolyn Colbert, Josiah's grandmother. 'Just happy one second, crying the next. It's hard.'
Josiah's aunt and grandma refer to him as the baby of the family. He leaves behind five siblings, a mix of brothers and sisters.
Josiah was known for his love of Mickey Mouse, but even more than that, his family said his warmth and joy touched everyone around him.
'He had the best cheeks to kiss in the world,' said Tatyona. 'He came in and made himself known. He's just a light, a big ball of sunshine.'
Loved ones said Josiah's laugh was infectious, a sound capable of brightening any room.
'He's going to be dearly missed,' said Gwendolyn. 'Heaven's gained an angel, but we're going to miss him. It's going to be hard for us to get over.'
As family and friends gathered at Cheektowaga Town Park on Friday, they said a prayer and released balloons in honor of Josiah. They said they plan on getting through this heartbreaking loss by keeping his memory alive and leaning on each other every step of the way.
'Our family is so close, and little people like him brought us all together,' said Tatyona. 'We just ask for all the prayers and we're going to get through this for sure.'
A GoFundMe has been started with all donations going towards funeral expenses and supporting the family during this tragic time. If you'd like to donate, you can do so here.
Trina Catterson joined the News 4 team in 2024. She previously worked at WETM-TV in Elmira, a sister station of WIVB. See more of her work here.
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