LYNNWOOD — There were many things Deondre Whitaker loved in his short life: basketball, rapping, sleepovers, being outside, a good haircut, hanging out at the mall and going to the movies were but a few.
He also enjoyed time with friends gliding in ovals around the Lynnwood Bowl and Skate rink on Friday nights.
Family members said that’s where he was headed last Friday when he was struck and killed by a pickup truck while crossing Highway 99 around 200th Street SW in Lynnwood. Witnesses told police the northbound pickup had a green light. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with police.
Deondre’s aunt, Jacklyn Clay, said she is grateful Deondre’s friends weren’t hurt and other families aren’t enduring the same devastating feeling of loss.
“We are going to miss him so much,” she said.
Deondre was born with cranial facial issues that required reconstructive surgery. As a toddler, he wore a helmet to protect his head.
“Even then, he was smiley,” Clay said.
Deondre transferred to Meadowdale Middle School in November, according to Edmonds School District records. He’d previously attended Brier Terrace Middle School where he’d played football. He was 14 and in the eighth grade. He’d previously lived in Everett and had also attended school in the Mukilteo district.
Letters were sent to parents of students from Meadowdale and Brier Terrace earlier this week informing them that a student had died and counselors were on hand to help.
On Monday, Clay paid a visit to Meadowdale Middle School where classmates gathered to honor Deondre. They presented roses and signed a basketball in his memory. Some spoke. Many just listened.
Clay appreciated the affection shown for her nephew.
“It was very sincere,” she said.
Deondre had been happy at his new school, where “he really flourished,” she said.
His sister, Aliyah Farmer, also described an outpouring of kindness she has felt in recent days.
“He was very loved by a lot of people that we didn’t even know,” she said.
She looks back fondly now at the time in their lives when they were young and had to share a room. They would often watch movies together. There was a closeness that she will miss.
Two gofundme accounts have been established to help with Deondre’s funeral expenses. Arrangements are pending.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldent.com.
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