Hundreds gather to say goodbye to 9-year-old

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C.,None — Hundreds gathered Saturday to say goodbye to 9-year-old Nikko'las Pinkney.

Pinkney died Monday in an early morning house fire in Huntersville. His death was a tremendous loss to his family and friends, especially those who are younger.

"We all played together we had fun and I guess when he died I guess we took it really hard," said friend Kenneth Wilkes.

Kenneth Winchester sat next to Pinkney in class at Waddell Language Academy.

"He always turned in his homework he listened to the teacher and didn't disrespect her," said Winchester.

Pinkney was on the honor roll at the school and dreamed of one day becoming a veterinarian. His mom, Margretha Pinkney said she checked on him as he watched television in his room, before she went to sleep Sunday night.

Around 2 a.m. a fire tore through their Huntersville home on Holbrooks Road. A family member was able to rescue his mom, but unable to reach the boy.

As many said goodbye to Pinkney, they reflected on what could have been.

"Just to see a bright child learn three different languages at a young age. He was very passionate," said his teacher, Altacie Stitt.

Fire investigators are still unsure as to what may have caused that fire.

Previous Stories: October 14, 2011: Mother remembers 9-year-old son killed in fire, calls him miracle child

WSOC