STREETSBORO, Ohio — Family and friends honored the 11-year-old boy killed in Streetsboro last Monday.
Channel 3 News originally did not show Caleb Lishing’s face or name, but on Sunday, after the vigil, his father gave us permission, thanking our news station for respecting their family’s privacy. His family is now ready to share Caleb's life with the public.
Streetsboro PTA President Tracy Campbell said she didn't know Caleb personally, but was compelled to put the vigil together, after hearing stories from his friends and family.
"He was very kind. He loved to read. He was well-loved,” she said.
From a distance at the Streetsboro School Football Stadium, our cameras caught hundreds of people, coming out to honoring Caleb’s memory.
Marty Lishing hinted that while his son was a happy kid, he had his hardships.
"Kids like Caleb woke up every morning, every day, and carried something in him that he rarely let anybody else know. Life was harder on that little guy,” he said.
However, his stepmother said their family is encouraged and remains positive, thanks to the support from the Streetsboro community.
"Through his unimaginable tragedy, we believe a light will break through and shine again,” said Jackie Lishing. “He loved the ocean and starfish.”
His teachers and family shared further what they knew about Caleb, such as favorite color being red, his love for nature and animals, reading books and his fascination with the ocean and ships.
Inspired by Caleb's interest in ships and the ocean, the Streetsboro community has set up a Go Fund Me page called, "Courageous Caleb" to fund a new playground, shaped like the Titanic in Streetsboro. The playground would be named in honor of him.