A Stratford mother speaks exclusively to News 12 Connecticut about her son's death. Daniel James Gillespy Jr. died in car accident on Mother's Day.

His family says the 22-year-old loved to joke around and make people happy.

They know his spirit will live on.

"Miss him forever. My heart's broken," said Gillespy's mother, Sara Mulkern.

Mulkern says she was devastated to learn of her son's death.

"He was a really good kid, and this is unfair. He was supposed to pick up one of his friends and he never got there," said Mulkern.

State police say Gillespy was driving north on Route 8 in Shelton when he veered off the road into the median and hit a tree.

He was pronounced dead at the scene early Sunday morning.

"I just hope he knows that I really loved him more than anything on this planet and I really don't know what I'm going to do without him," said Gillespy's sister, Danielle.

Gillespy leaves behind a 2-year-old son, Jaxon Charles Gillespy, who was his pride and joy.

"His son's mother died almost two years ago so he was doing everything right," said Mulkern.

Gillespy also looked after his disabled brother, Jesse. A memorial of candles, signs, and balloons is set up at the family's home in Stratford.

Gillespy touched so many lives.

"Growing up I didn't have a dad. He was like a father figure to me like you know. I'm going to miss him," said Gillespy's cousin, Elijah Mulkern.

Family and friends are still consoling each other.

A Fundly page has been set up to raise money for Danny's funeral costs.

"I miss him. I'll miss him forever," said Gillespy's mother.

The family says they are making arrangements for Danny's funeral.

They say they are hoping to learn more from the state medical examiner about what caused him to veer off the road.