PORTLAND, Oregon — Loved ones and community members held a candlelight vigil to remember a 4-year-old boy killed in a DUII crash.
The family of Kingston Coston gathered at the sight of the crash on North Fessenden Street and Mohawk Avenue Monday evening, to pray and remember the little boy.
On the night of March 20, police said Kingston's mother, Angelina Minor, was driving drunk and had a blood alcohol level that was more than four times the legal limit. Investigators said Minor crossed into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on into another car. Kingston was killed. Minor was arrested and arraigned on multiple charges including manslaughter and DUII. Her 3-year-old daughter was also in the crash and survived. So did a man and his 4-year-old daughter.
“Kingston was a beautiful boy and he was so much fun,” said Kingston’s aunt, Jamille Manning. “When you would walk in the room he would run and hug you. He was just so happy and full of love.”
Minor’s sister, Laurie Palmer, also attended the vigil. As she grieves the loss of her nephew and the actions of her sister, she wants everyone to know that the crash was avoidable.
“Think before you take a drink,” said Palmer. “Think about what happened to Kingston. Just have that in the front of your mind and let that be your decision-maker when you change your mind about drinking and driving.”
Many at the memorial extended grace to Minor, including Palmer.
“My sister's not a monster,” said Palmer. "She's gonna beat herself up worse than anybody but we're going to love her through this.”
As loved ones prepare to lay Kingston to rest, they’re grateful for the support many have shown by donated to a GoFundMe to help cover funeral costs. As the vigil ended, Kingston’s family urged everyone to remember the little boy’s smile, every day.
“He had the most amazing smile from the moment he was born,” said Manning. “All he did was smile. He was always happy.”