A dedication ceremony was held for six-year-old Tyler Myers, who was killed by a driver in 2012. Tyler's parents, Jamie and Ericka Myers, were joined by their neighbors and close friends to honor Tyler's memory.
BROUSSARD, La. (KLFY) -- A dedication ceremony was held for six-year-old Tyler Myers, who was killed by a driver in 2012. Tyler's parents, Jamie and Ericka Myers, were joined by their neighbors and close friends to honor Tyler's memory.
Four signs were installed at a roundabout in Broussard. Each sign reads "Tyler Myers Memorial Circle," with a message under it that reads "Don't drink and drive" and "Don't text and drive."
The Myers moved to Broussard in 2013, right after Tyler's death. Ericka says while it's been a very emotional journey for her family, she says it meant the world to see her neighbors and closest friends be with her for this special moment.
"It's such an honor to see everyone standing up for something that is important," Ericka said. "Our children are our future and if everybody comes together and protects our children, we're protecting the future."
Tyler was killed on Sept. 24, 2012, in a Livingston Parish neighborhood by a driver. Officials say the driver, 33-year-old Brad Welch, was on his way home, but was on his cellphone at the time. Little Tyler was riding his scooter on a sidewalk near Welch's home. As Welch was turning into his driveway, he hit Tyler and ran him over. A judge found Welch not guilty of negligent homicide in 2014.
Jamie says this situation could have been avoided. He advises drivers to keep their eyes on the road at all times.
"It's frustrating when people bring up the incident and call it an accident, an accident is not avoidable," Jamie said. "This was 100 percent avoidable, if you're looking down and you're not paying attention or you're under the influence, that's a way to kill people."
Ericka says she will always remember Tyler as kind-hearted soul whose life was taken too soon.
"One word that I can use to describe Tyler would be magical," Ericka said. "He was wise beyond his years, he was caring."
