CALEDONIA, Mich. (WOOD) — The family of 18-year-old Elijah Holt is remembering him after he was killed in a car crash Monday morning.

It happened southbound on US-131 in Solon Township, near Cedar Springs. Michigan State Police said the car went off the road and hit a tree.

Ryel Daye, Holt’s cousin, said Holt was his best friend they did everything together. Daye also called Holt his “mini-me.”

“That’s like my little brother … it’s hard,” said Daye. “Not having him here. If you didn’t know Elijah, he could’ve made you laugh and smile in any situation. He was always going to bring out the best out you, and he was always going to put you first.”

Holt was a 2023 graduate of Caledonia High School. He played basketball and football, but Daye said basketball was his favorite, and something the two of them did together every day. Recently, Caledonia High School released a statement about Holt’s passing.

“Elijah shone brightly within the student body, and his presence will be greatly missed,” it reads, in part. “Elijah’s passing will leave a void for many and there will be times in the days and weeks ahead that will be trying.”

It offered students and their family members care from a dedicated student support team, as well as access to a free student assistance program with Pine Rest.

Daye said his family wants to thank the community for their support.

“I just want to thank everyone,” he said. “I want them to keep living through how Elijah would want. Made people smile, made people laugh.”

A GoFundMe has been set up to support Elijah’s family.