WELLSVILLE, Ohio - Hundreds of candles lit Nicholson Stadium Wednesday night as the Wellsville community came together to grieve the loss of 9-year-old Clayton Don Eugene “CJ” Talbert, Jr., a fourth-grade student at Daw Elementary who was struck and killed by a pickup truck while riding his bike on Saturday evening.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol says CJ was hit after pulling out of a private driveway onto Route 7 in Columbiana County. He was taken to East Liverpool City Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The crash remains under investigation, and the Columbiana County Coroner’s Office says it may take months before a final ruling is released.

At Wednesday night’s vigil, candles, balloons, and prayers filled the stadium in CJ’s memory. Pastor Mark Blakeley of Wellsville First Christian Church led the service, encouraging the crowd to remember CJ’s life and the love he brought to so many.

Wellsville Schools Superintendent David Cappuzello described CJ as a child who brought joy wherever he went.

“Oh my gosh, his smile. He had an awesome smile,” Cappuzello said. “He was a great friend to his friends, just a sweetheart of a boy, kind soul... and he was just one of those boys that just made everything around him good.”

The tragedy shook students and staff at Daw Elementary, where CJ was well-known for his hugs and cheerful personality.

“He loved to hug everyone and always had a smile on his face,” said Jamie McClelland, a Wellsville School District staff member. “He was a very pleasant boy.”

Denise Travers, another staff member who regularly worked with CJ, recalled one of her final moments with him.

“If he didn’t hug me before he left to get on the bus to go home,” Travers said. “He made sure he turned around and said, ‘I love you.’ What a kid. We are going to miss him next year.”

The school district responded quickly, bringing in grief counselors, therapy dogs, and support from surrounding school communities. Counselors spent time in classrooms, especially with CJ’s fourth-grade peers, helping them process their emotions and talk about their friend.

Cappuzello said the community’s response has been nothing short of incredible.

“These neighbors aren’t just people. These neighbors are family,” he said. “Even in their darkest moments, they’re never alone down here. They always have support.”

Wellsville Schools are collecting donations to assist CJ’s family, and organizers at the vigil encouraged attendees to give what they could. Many in the crowd wore purple and orange, CJ’s favorite colors.

Staff say CJ will always be remembered for his joy, his hugs, and the way he made people feel seen.

“He was a friend to everybody — teachers, kids, it didn’t matter who it was,” Travers said. “We just love him so much, and we are going to miss him.”