A somber night as family and friends remember 18-year-old Kalix Broussard.
"You don't ever think you're going to have to bury your grandchild. It's just unreal. I can't get over it. I know we have to go on, because Kalix would want everyone to go on and live life to the fullest. That's how he lived life," said Broussard's grandmother Connie LeBouef.
Broussard is one of two people who died in a crash this morning on Highway 14 near Abbeville.
According to troopers, 29-year-old Kiristan Mitchell of Kaplan crossed the center line and hit Broussard's car. Troopers say neither driver was wearing a seatbelt.
Broussard was a 2019 graduate of Vermilion Catholic. Tonight, many former students and loved ones returning to the place he called home to find comfort.
The outpouring of love and support for Broussard and his family is overwhelming. The school's auditorium was filled and overflowed into the hallway. Dozens gathered to pay their respects to a star athlete both on and off the field.
"He had the best personality, his whole VC school loved him and he had so many friends," LeBouef said. "I just wish he wouldn't have left us so soon. Love you Maw...Love you so much. Those were his last words to me."
LeBoeuf said her grandson was an avid hunter and lived life by a simple motto.
"Love everyone."
Friends said, "He was the biggest supporter of his friends. He always encouraged me to do my best." Another friend said, "He loved his truck and his base. You got out and you couldn't hear for about five minutes."
For LeBouef, some of her fondest memories of her grandson is watching him on the field. Often, Broussard would even make KATC's Friday Night Football highlights.
"He loved the football field and he loved to see his grandma hollering and screaming for him," LeBouef said.
On the field where Broussard played so many games, his number was painted on the 50-yard-line and a rosary was prayed.
His teammates also rang the victory bell one more time for their brother.
Funeral arrangements are still pending for Broussard.
