Friends, family remember 11-year-old who died during track practice

OPA-LOCKA, Fla. – Under a light rain, family, friends and loved ones released balloons to remember the life of Kaleb Harris, who died last week while at track practice art Miami Northwestern Senior High School.             

The 11-year-old boy collapsed during a warm up and was rushed to a hospital, where he died.

A memorial took place Monday for Harris at Florida International Academy in Opa-locka. 

His parents watched on as teachers admired Harris for his dedication to family, friends and his education. 

"Whenever he wanted to answer a question, his hand would go flying in the air," Shawn Dabish, Harris' homeroom teacher, said. "He would even start waving his hand around like, 'You better pick on me, because I'm going to get this answer.'" 

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the night was when Harris' classmates did their part to help a grieving family. 

One-by-one, they offered them money, an act that gave them a sense of purpose and an opportunity to honor their friend. 

"He will be missed. And to the family, he loves you, and may you find encouragement in knowing that he was special," Leroy Wright Jr. said. 

The family is still waiting on a cause of death to be released.