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Hundreds pay their respects to Tripp Halstead

JACKSON COUNTY, Ga. — Family, friends and strangers said their final goodbyes to Tripp Halstead Sunday.

"He's had more love than any child. He really has," a family friend told Channel 2's Lauren Pozen.

The little boy unexpectedly passed away on Thursday after a long battle recovering from brain damage.

The family posted an update on their Facebook page thanking the community for their support on Saturday night.

[READ: A timeline: Looking back at Tripp Halstead's long road to recovery]

Cameras were not allowed inside during his memorial, but the family allowed the media to sit in on the service.

Tripp’s father spoke and said he was there for his son’s first and last breath.

The little boy was remembered as a boy who loved life and was the best friend anyone could ever want.

One woman, whose child was classmates with Tripp, described him as amazing.

"He was always smiling, just brighten up my day every time I saw him. He was a brilliant, happy little boy," she said.

Although Tripp was just 7 years old, he inspired many to never give up.

Day 2 without my sweet baby. Today was a lot like yesterday. I’m still in shock and on meds and refusing to break down...

Posted by Tripp Halstead Updates on Saturday, March 17, 2018

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