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Vigil Held In Dorchester For Child Found Dead In Daycare Van

BOSTON (CBS) - A mother coping with the pain of losing her baby boy spoke for the first time since his death.

The people of Dorchester held a vigil for 17-month-old Gabriel Pierre, who was found dead in a sweltering daycare van last week.

The community came together Monday night to keep the little boy's memory alive.

WBZ-TV's Jonathan Elias reports

Gabriel's mother, Virginie Cazir, wants to ensure this type of tragedy never happens again.

Some who came knew the family, many did not, but they came to Floyd Street to remember what happened last week.

"I've been strong for him because if I'm not strong for him who's going to be strong for him," says Cazir.

The toddler was left in a transportation van, because the driver forgot to drop him off at daycare instead leaving him for hours in a hot van with the windows rolled up.

"I want you all to take this time to cherish your children because I never had the time to say goodbye to mine I did not know I wouldn't see him in the afternoon."

"Please don't let this happen again," Cazir told the crowd.

Surrounded by family, friends and strangers they held candle's, released balloons and prayed.

"He's in a better place he's not hurt, he's happy."

The funeral for Gabriel has been scheduled for this Saturday at St. Mark's in Dorchester.

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