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Abel Torres-Aquino | Source: GoFundMe/In Memory of Abel: Support for His Family
Abel Torres-Aquino | Source: GoFundMe/In Memory of Abel: Support for His Family

6-Year-Old Boy, Abel Torres, Dies After a Tragic Accident in Front of His House

Taitirwa Sehliselwe Murape
Nov 19, 2025
09:22 A.M.

In support of the little boy's family as they mourn such a significant loss, a loved one has started a GoFundMe page.

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Heartbroken parents, a shattered community, and a child taken far too soon — the recent tragic loss of little Abel Torres-Aquino has left Gwinnett County reeling.

The six-year-old boy's parents, Karina Aquino and Juan Torres, spoke out about what happened. They, along with Abel's school bus driver and another loved one, also shared tear-jerking words about how special and sweet the little boy was.

Abel Torres-Aquino flashing a peace sign as he smiles for the camera, posted on November 10, 2025. | Source: GoFundMe/In Memory of Abel: Support for His Family

Abel Torres-Aquino flashing a peace sign as he smiles for the camera, posted on November 10, 2025. | Source: GoFundMe/In Memory of Abel: Support for His Family

The Moment That Ended in Tragedy

The tragic chain of events began shortly after the family returned home from a birthday party on Saturday night. "We got home from a party, a birthday party, and we were bringing some stuff into our house, and he grabbed his bike," Karina said. Though Abel wanted to take a quick ride, his father hesitated.

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"I said it's too late. It was around 9:20 p.m.," Juan explained, noting that darkness had already settled over the neighborhood. Still, wanting to let his little boy enjoy a brief moment of play, Juan relented.

Outside Karina Aquino and Juan Torres' home, where their son passed away after the car accident, posted on November 14, 2025. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

Outside Karina Aquino and Juan Torres' home, where their son passed away after the car accident, posted on November 14, 2025. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

He said he finally agreed to let Abel take a lap. Moments later — before Abel could cross the streeta neighbor driving by struck him. "The car was going very fast, and it was dark," Karina recalled. According to the Gwinnett County Police Department, Abel was hit and killed while riding his bike outside his home on Parkview Drive in Lawrenceville.

The loss has shattered the family. "My world stopped," Juan said. "I feel the emptiness because my child is no more here [sic]."

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Karina Aquino and Juan Torres remembering their son, Abel Torres-Aquino. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

Karina Aquino and Juan Torres remembering their son, Abel Torres-Aquino. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

'God Gives, and He Takes': Parents Grieve with Grace

Karina echoed the pain but reflected on her faith, "God gives, and he takes. There is a purpose for everything he does, and we don't question." She added, "The spiritual side of us is at peace because we know he's in a good place, we know he's in the presence of our creator, but the human, the flesh in us, misses him deeply."

Only days earlier, Abel had drawn a colorful picture with a loving note — the last one he would ever make. It now serves as a small reminder his parents hold onto of the joy he carried.

Karina Aquino holding her son's last picture and note he wrote. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

Karina Aquino holding her son's last picture and note he wrote. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

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"He was the only boy of the family, he was my only son, he was my partner. He was my mini me," Juan said softly. Now, a growing memorial sits outside their home, with Abel's own bike, battered and worn, resting near the driveway.

The memorial site created in honor of Abel Torres-Aquino. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

The memorial site created in honor of Abel Torres-Aquino. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

Friends and neighbors insist that it is not the tragedy but Abel's bright spirit they will remember. "He literally left an impression on everybody. He had the biggest, sweetest smile. I'm going to miss it," reflected Abel's school bus driver, Freddie Johnson.

Freddie Johnson (Abel Torres-Aquino's school driver) recalling how sweet Abel was. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

Freddie Johnson (Abel Torres-Aquino's school driver) recalling how sweet Abel was. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

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On the Thursday following his death, instead of picking him up as she normally would, Freddie visited his home to leave a stuffed dinosaur and a handwritten note. "I care about all my kids, but some kids stand out, and he was one that truly stands out," she shared.

Gwinnett County Police confirmed that no charges will be filed, believing the crash was a devastating accident.

Abel Torres-Aquiono beaming in his Pre-K graduation attire. | Source: GoFundMe/In Memory of Abel: Support for His Family

Abel Torres-Aquiono beaming in his Pre-K graduation attire. | Source: GoFundMe/In Memory of Abel: Support for His Family

Police and Parents Urge Caution

Authorities also urged parents to take added precautions as daylight hours shorten, encouraging children to play in well-lit areas and reminding families that young cyclists should use headlamps or bike lights to increase visibility.

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Abel had turned six in October and was a kindergartner at Jackson Elementary. As the investigation continues, his parents — while heartbrokenexpressed forgiveness for the driver, saying they believe in mercy and grace, even amid profound loss. Cautioning other parents, Karina pleaded, "Tell everybody to be more careful. A car is also a weapon."

Juan Torres playing a wheelbarrow race game with his son Abel Torres-Aquino. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

Juan Torres playing a wheelbarrow race game with his son Abel Torres-Aquino. | Source: YouTube/11Alive

'We've Been More than Blessed': Community Rallies for Abel's Grieving Family

Both she and Juan have also expressed their immense gratitude for the support they have received from their community, friends, family, and strangers who have donated money to help them bury their little boy. "We've been more than blessed," Karina said.

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Part of that support includes the launch of a GoFundMe campaign by a loved one, which calls on the public to help ease the financial burden of funeral costs and medical expenses. The page paints a heartfelt portrait of Abel, describing him as "a bright, joyful child who brought light everywhere he went."

Abel Torres-Aquino smiling for a photo with his backpack over his shoulders. | Source: GoFundMe/In Memory of Abel: Support for His Family

Abel Torres-Aquino smiling for a photo with his backpack over his shoulders. | Source: GoFundMe/In Memory of Abel: Support for His Family

It also honors his unwavering faith and his gentle, friendly spirit, stating, "He was a firm believer in Christ, a little boy with the purest heart, and someone who made friends effortlessly."

The fundraiser shares that Abel leaves behind not only his devastated parents but also four siblings — Ariana, Briana, Gracie, and Sarahi — who are struggling to understand life without their beloved brother. "No family is ever prepared for a loss like this," reads a part of the message.

Visitors to the GoFundMe page are greeted by radiant images of Abel in moments full of joy and personality: beaming in his Pre-K graduation cap and gown, flashing a peace sign with his backpack slung over his shoulder, and dressed as a cowboy with a wide smile that seems to stretch beyond the frame.

Each photo captures a glimpse of the vibrant little boy who, though taken too soon, left behind a legacy of laughter, love, and light.

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"May Abel's memory live on in all of us," the post concludes — a plea not only for support, but for remembrance. Thus far, the page has managed to garner over $14,000 of its $16,000 goal.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Karina, Juan, Ariana, Briana, Gracie, Sarahi, and Abel's entire family, friends, and community as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing as they grieve. RIP, sweet Abel.

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