Family of teen killed in accident speaks out

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - A Mobile family is mourning the loss of their 17-year-old. Alex Maisel was killed in a single car crash just south of Demetropolis Road.

At Maisel's make-shift memorial there wasn't a lot of talking. Just friends comforting each other and gazing at the things he left behind.

“He was very passionate about his friends, about his family about his hobby and he just loved life,” said his father, Bryan Maisel.

Maisel's father said his son was an incredible fisherman. He said Alex spent the majority of his time on the water - every night before homework, he was fishing.

“That was just a rule. If I could let him fish for a little while he would gladly do homework without much of an argument,” said Maisel.

Mobile Police Department said Maisel's vehicle left the road and struck an embankment south of Demetropolis Road Saturday. Police said speed was a factor and he was not wearing a seatbelt.

Alex’s family does not believe he was speeding, but does admit he was not wearing a seat belt.  They say he was behind two friends who were not speeding.

“Parents need to know that accidents can happen without a child driving recklessly, excessively or speeding,” said Maisel.

The family said Alex made a “careless mistake” that can happen at anytime and to anyone. So, his father has a word of advice to parents.

"Never forget to hug and kiss your children every night and let them pursue their dreams and their passions. Don't be afraid to be a best friend to a child and always remember that life is so short and at any moment they can be taken away from you. So never forget to love them. And tell them you love them every day,” said Maisel.

Before Alex died, the family said he requested that his remains be incorporated into an artificial reef and placed into the Gulf.

A memorial service will be held at the Dauphin Island Country Club June 13 at 3 p.m.

The family asks for visitors to bring copies of their pictures of Alex for them to keep.