'It shatters you': Family and friends mourn 15-year-old found dead in burning car

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Family, friends and community members are heartbroken and in shock, after 15-year-old Makai Neal was found dead in a burnt car in Milwaukee.

"Makai will always be with us no matter what," said Montreal Kane, a family friend.

On Saturday, Feb. 22, those who knew Makai best came together sharing memories, song and prayer. Mourning the boy, they say was taken from them too soon.

"We are still waiting on Makai to call us or hit us up and say, 'hey man I'm doing this,'" said Calvin Sherrod, Makai's football coach. "It's kind of unbelievable right now."

On Feb. 10th, police were called to 26th and Locust in Milwaukee for a car fire, finding Makai dead in the vehicle.

"You get this news and it kind of changes your life," said Sherrod. "It shatters you, kind of."

Sherrod says Makai was at home on the football field, leading the team on and off the gridiron.

"He was just a leader and kind of like a magnet of people," said Sherrod. "Everyone was kind of drawn to him, whether it was players, coaches, family members, it doesn’t really matter. He was just one of those kids that kind of pulled everything together and made everyone feel like family."

Those in attendance were emotional, continuing to hold the boy who made everyone feel special close to their hearts.

"When you think about Makai, you might have a tear fall, but remember, he was a star," said Kane. "He's up there now."

The Milwaukee Police Department is investigating Makai's death as a homicide. Family and friends say they want justice and for someone to be held accountable.