'He's a one in a million boy.' Mt. Zion honors life of boy killed in accident

MT. ZION, Ill. (WAND) — It was a moment that brought tears to a community months ago.

Mt. Zion lost one of its brightest lights, Jack Brinkoetter, in a sledding accident on a snowy day.

"There's just no doubt in my mind that he will ever be forgotten...," said Jess Brinkoetter, Jack's mom. 

But this isn't a sad story. That's not how Jack would want his story told.

"He was just the best at making me laugh," his mom said, with a smile. That deep belly laughter only scratches the surface, when it comes to how Jack made everyone around him feel.

Adventurous, brave, kind, and sweet are just a few of the words his family and friends used to describe him. But four words aren't enough. Jack was a son, a brother, and a best friend. He had dreams to travel the country, especially Michigan. He was a team player on the football field. 

"If you'd want to do something and he didn't want to do it, he'd still do it," said his friend, Blaine Patrick. "See, he was just that kind of friend. He'd sacrifice anything for you."

Jack's radiant, flickering light was blown out too soon. In his ten years of making everyone around him smile, he lives more life than some can say they've lived in decades on Earth. That, is what made Jack different. 

"He's a one in a million boy," said his mom through teary eyes. 

But this next chapter in Mt. Zion starts today, on a sunny spring day in April. 

"April 23rd will forever be 'Live Like Jack' day," shared Jess' best friend, Emily Phillips. Phillips approached the mayor with the idea to proclaim Jack's birthday, April 23rd, a day in his honor.

"I think everybody can use a reminder to live like Jack....," shared Brinkoetter.  "It means to not take life so seriously, to have fun, to dance no matter who's watching, to laugh and just be kind."

As social media posts come in using the #LikeLikeJack, families and friends are reminded to dance, sing, or tell a joke today in honor of Jack. 

Happy 11th Birthday, Jack. As today brings remembrance of Jack's light and love, it also brings hope for so many to live like Jack.