Devastated Colorado mom weeps after son, 13, was struck and killed by driver who ran red light while riding across crosswalk on his skateboard, with perpetrator only facing misdemeanor charges

The grief-stricken mother of a 13-year-old boy, who tragically lost his life on his way to school, wept as she spoke out for the first time and called for stricter penalties against the perpetrator, who currently faces only misdemeanor charges.

Alexander Mackiewicz was riding his OneWheel, a single-wheel electric skateboard, on the morning of March 6, when a driver fatally struck him at the intersection of Venneford Ranch Road and Highlands Ranch Parkway after running a red light. 

The driver responsible for the accident, Ruben Morones, 52, was arrested on March 13 and is facing misdemeanor charges including careless driving causing death, serious bodily injury, and failure to comply with traffic signals.

During a press conference on Thursday, Mackiewicz's mother, Victoria Cegielski, said the charges against the driver are not enough. 

Cegielski emotionally stated, 'I do apologize if I will start crying, I still cannot control my feelings, but I will be strong (for) him because his words, his death, cannot go silent. It cannot be another traffic death.'

During a press conference on Thursday, Mackiewicz's mother, Victoria Cegielski, wept and called for stricter penalties against the perpetrator 

Alexander Mackiewicz was riding his OneWheel, a single-wheel electric skateboard, on the morning of March 6, when a driver fatally struck him 

The driver responsible for the accident, Ruben Morones, 52, was arrested on March 13 and is facing misdemeanor charges including careless driving causing death, serious bodily injury, and failure to comply with traffic signals

The sheriff's office said Mackiewicz was in the crosswalk and had a walk signal when he was hit by Morones, who likely ran a red light, however there is no indication that Morones was speeding at the time of the incident.

Cegielski also called for a memorial to be built in her son's honor and questioned why her son had to pay the ultimate price for someone else's mistake. 

'Why my boy has to pay the horrible price for somebody's mistake,' Cegielski said on Fox 31. 'It has to be more severe so people will stop breaking the law, so they will stop running a red light because they might think about the consequences.'

'What if it's my child over there? That's what they need to think,' she added. 

She is additionally collaborating with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to enhance safety measures at the intersection. She also intends to advocate for stricter penalties for negligent drivers before the Colorado State legislature.

Mackiewicz's father, Robert, mentioned how Fridays, once their favorite day, now feel empty without Alex's presence.

'Friday was our favorite day, but now it is an empty day,' Robert Mackiewicz, Alex's father, said on Fox 31. 'That day I always picked up Alex from school.' 

Cegielski recalled their son's affectionate nature, revealing how he would resist displays of affection as a 'teenager' in public but eagerly welcomed them at home.

She is additionally collaborating with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office to enhance safety measures at the intersection.She also intends to advocate for stricter penalties for negligent drivers before the Colorado State legislature 

Mackiewicz's father, Robert, mentioned how Fridays, once their favorite day, now feel empty without Alex's presence

Sheriff Darren Weekly emphasized the need for stricter penalties for careless driving, asserting that existing consequences are not sufficient deterrents

'He was a very tough boy in public. He was a teenager. He was 'Mom, don't kiss me when you drop me off, I'm a big boy now,'' Cegielski said. 'He would come home, 'Mom I'm home let's hug.' He loved when I kissed his nose.' 

Sheriff Darren Weekly emphasized the need for stricter penalties for careless driving, asserting that existing consequences are not sufficient deterrents.

'Careless driving resulting in death carries a maximum of a $1,000 fine and one year in county jail, a maximum,' Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said. 

'We're not going to let this be another headline for a day or two and then move on until the next child dies. We're going to do what we can to make change now,' he continued. 

Despite their grief, the family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community, finding solace in the heartfelt messages and gestures they have received.

The family called for a memorial to be built in her son's honor

Despite their grief, the family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the community, finding solace in the heartfelt messages and gestures they have received

Cegielski emphasized her determination to seek justice for her son

The sheriff's office said Mackiewicz was in the crosswalk and had a walk signal when he was hit by Morones, who likely ran a red light, however there is no indication that Morones was speeding at the time of the incident

'It's a lot, when you see everybody unites and does something to ease your pain at least a little bit... the support we received is humongous,' she said to Denver 7. 

'Every single card we receive, we read them,' she said, adding that she keeps the door closed most of the day.

Cegielski emphasized her determination to seek justice for her son. 

'It's blowing my mind that there's no justice, that's what I'm going to be fighting for,' she said.