Community members gathered to honor and remember the life of the 12-year-old boy who died after choking.

The vigil took place outside the Justice Sonia Sotomayor Community School on Friday.

Dozens of flowers and candles now surround a picture of the 6th grader.

The incident happened around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday. School officials say the boy was in a hallway when he began choking on food. He became unresponsive and died at a local hospital.

News 12 spoke with a family friend who says this still doesn't feel real.

"Sadly enough, life is too short and this happened and it's really unfortunate," said Mike Dallas. "I just really want people to know that he's a great kid and has a very sweet family."

School officials said grief counselors will be available for those who need them.