Though death will come, it’s troubling when it comes so soon. 

“I thought it was a dream and then my mom woke me up for the second to tell me it was real and we all just started crying,” said friend Ethan West.

Like for 14-year-old Gary Witkovsky. Thursday he was pronounced brain dead due to injuries from being hit by a car. 

“Very supportive, great friend to always talk to about your feelings, School, sports, anything,” said West.

The Oswego County Sheriff’s Office says Witkovsky was on Norman Avenue in the village of Mexico Wednesday morning when he was hit by a truck. 

“I helped him with sports. He helped me with feelings and stuff like that,” said West.

On Thursday morning, Witkovsky was pronounced dead, leaving an absence in the lives of his loved ones. 

“He wasn’t my best friend. He was definitely my brother in every way,” said West.

But leaving them with the memories of his short but loving life. 

“I think I’m going to live up to his name with literature that he loved to do- books probably read a lot more of those,” said West.

The 22-year-old truck driver that hit Witkovsky isn’t facing charges. Investigators say the crash remains under investigation.