My name is Sophia Pagliuca, I am a family friend of Dereon Robinson, one of the boys who was killed by a car while riding his bike in Spartanburg.

I have known Dereon since the day he was born. He was someone who spent countless days and nights at our house. He was our brother!

On April 15, he would have been 13 - just 3 days away. He was a child who brought joy to all those around him. He was a rare person who truly was able to find the good in everyone. He never spoke negatively and he never asked for anything. In the past few years, whenever I would pick him up to spend time with him, I’d always ask what he wanted and he’d say “I don’t need anything”. He just wanted to hug you and tell you that he loved you. He would call me just to say it, he was my buddy.

Even as a young child, Dereon changed my life and mindset when I would face trials or hardship. All he had to do was be with you. He wasn’t too loud, he didn’t overbear - he was a sweet, gentle boy who had a special gift for lifting other people’s spirits.

Dereon leaves behind so many who love him but his 3 brothers (Tony, Mo, and Chanz) are left with a hole in their hearts that will always be missing him. He was the rock and the confidante for his mother, Megan, who has faced much hardship, including the deaths of many family members across the last few years.

A mother should never have to bury her own child. A mother should never live longer than her son. Dereon was the best of us and we will live with his life in our hearts and minds.

From his mother, Megan: “Dereon was smart. He loved everyone and could become friends with anyone. He was helpful and loving and a true blessing”.

When I talked to Megan today I asked her, “What do you need right now?” She told me “Just prayers”. Please pray for them.

Please also consider giving to help Megan bury her son and live through this tragedy.

From his older brother, Mo: “Dereon was a great young man. He was very smart and athletic. But also, he was always being a leader, always fixing things, always was able to make anyone smile. I believe they are in a better place so I try not to be too sad.”