"Matthew had a tremendous smile," Tom Huhn softly describes his grandson.

It's a smile that could be seen across a Trempealeau County courtroom Tuesday. Family members and friends filed in all wearing pins with Matthew’s little face on them. They read ‘gone but not forgotten.’

"The family is grieving no doubt, but thankful for the immense amount of support from the community,” Huhn says. “The outpouring from local and beyond has been phenomenal, but the hurt doesn't want to go away."

50-year-old Robert Kreibich is charged with driving drunk and hitting Matthew while he was sledding in his front yard. He's also charged with hit and run and driving without his license.

Tuesday, Kreibich waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

"This is devastating and will change a lot of lives," Huhn says.

He says those lives stretch throughout the community and to his grandson's preschool class.

"They have experienced a tremendous loss over there. His teacher and children are hurting," Huhn says.

People who's lives he touched, brought meals and memories, phone calls and firewood.

"It's incredible what the community can do for a family in need,” says John Leavitt, a family friend.
“The family wants to say ‘Thank you.’"

A thank you from a family that today can only cherish pictures and memories of a little boy with an angelic smile.

"Almost everyone has a Matthew story that could make you laugh,” Huhn says. “Matthew was a delightful little boy."

Robert Kreibich remains in the Trempealeau County Jail. He's scheduled to be in court again next month.