Funeral arrangements made for Greenville Co. student who drowned

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – Funeral arrangements have been made for an 8-year-old boy who drowned last week in Greenville County.

Lionel “Leo” Ramirez Cervantes will be laid to rest on Tuesday, according an obituary from Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes.

According the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Cervantes ran out of his classroom at Bell’s Crossing Elementary School on Thursday morning. He was found dead in a nearby pond hours later.

On Friday, dozens of community members came together to host a vigil honoring Cervantes. During the vigil people laid balloons, flowers and Spider-Man dolls.

According to his obituary, Spider-Man was Cervantes’ favorite super hero. He had plans to dress up as the iconic character for Halloween this year, and enjoyed seeing Tesla cars on the road, as their headlights reminded him Spider-Man’s eyes.

“Despite his short time on this earth, Leo brought immense happiness to his family, especially his sister and brothers, and enjoyed playing superheroes, dressing up in costumes, and creating comics,” his obituary reads. “His innocence and laughter brightened every room he entered, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”

A visitation for family friends and members of the community will be held at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Northwest, on Tuesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. A funeral service will start at 6 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, and private burial will be held for the family at a later date.

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