Funeral service held for 8-year-old Lionel Cervantes

GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) – A funeral service was held on Tuesday for 8-year-old Lionel Cervantes , the second grader who passed away from a drowning accident. Cervantes attended Bells Crossing Elementary School.

“I just came to support and show some respect for the family and show some love for the little kid,” said Joelma Oliviera, a Greenville County resident who decided to attend the funeral to show support to his family. “It’s beyond sad and I cannot imagine the pain of the mom and the close family.”

Lionel was discovered by dive team members in a pond, a quarter-mile from the school, on Friday. He was pronounced dead at the scene and the Greenville County Coronor’s Office ruled his death as an accidental drowning.

The Cervantes family asked for no photographs or video to be taken inside of the funeral home, but 7NEWS was provided a copy of the funeral pamphlet.

That pamphlet showcases several comic drawn by Lionel, as well as an obituary in English and Spanish.

A public visitation took place for approximately two hours before the funeral.

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