"I still can't process it:" Loved ones remember Julian Hicks, killed this weekend in fiery crash

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- He lost his life in a fiery crash over the weekend, and on Tuesday evening, June 24th, more than 100 people showed up to remember 19-year-old Julian Hicks.

The crash, which occurred near 24th and Fairmount, was caught on video.

Julian Hicks

It happened on Saturday morning, June 21st, around 1:15 a.m.

Police say Julian Hicks was the lone occupant of a vehicle struck broadside by another vehicle while entering an alley.

A Milwaukee police detective, first to the scene, sustained minor injuries while attempting to rescue Hicks from his burning vehicle.

Unfortunately, the detective's heroic attempts weren't enough to save Hicks' life.

On Tuesday evening, loved ones set up a small memorial in Hicks' honor at the scene of the crash.

They describe Hicks as gifted and funny -- someone who was always humble and happy.

"I still can't process it.  It's still not real yet. I was just so surprised," Celcy Powers, a friend of Hicks said.

Police believe the driver who hit Hicks was drunk. Hicks lost his life just feet from his home.

Video captured at the scene shows the fiery crash -- and people attempting to pull Hicks from the vehicle.

"His dad called me super early in the morning and told me.  I was just in shock," Powers said.

Powers, and more than 100 others stood in prayer on Tuesday evening -- sharing memories and lighting candles in Hicks' honor.

"Julian was blessed with this joyous demeanor, where he found laughter in everything," Kate Delutio said.

Delutio was Hicks' teacher. She remembered him as a gifted singer.

"A motto I have for my students is to be kind, work hard and to have fun -- and he absolutely exemplified that," Delutio said.

Police say the driver who hit Hicks, a 47-year-old man, was arrested at the scene Saturday morning for homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle.

The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case for charges.

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