Hundreds attend funeral for Elijah Marsh

WATCH ABOVE: A public service was held Saturday for the three-year-old boy who died after wandering out in the cold by himself in the middle of the night. Family, friends and people with no connection at all came out to give their last respects to Elijah Marsh. Cindy Pom reports.

TORONTO — The funeral for three-year-old Elijah Marsh, who died after wandering out of his grandmother’s apartment into dangerously cold weather, was held Saturday morning.

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“I know so many people, people who don’t know him, love him and feel for me and family who are grieving so much,” said Elijah’s mother Georgette Marsh, in a statement Feb. 23. “It’s the worst thing in the world to lose your child and to lose him like this.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I know so many people, people who don't know him, love him and feel for me and family who are grieving so much," said Elijah's mother Georgette Marsh, in a statement Feb. 23. "It's the worst thing in the world to lose your child and to lose him like this."

The family extended a public invitation for the boy’s visitation Thursday, and to his funeral.

Mourners filled St. Matthew’s United Church to capacity while a nearby warming centre where people could sign a guestbook was also packed.

People lined the streets in front of the church for two hours before the service began but many were turned away after the church filled to capacity.

A pickup truck filled with flowers, and a school bus sat outside of the church, after bringing mourners from around the city.

READ MORE: Elijah Marsh remembered as ‘funny’ at visitation

Elijah left his grandmother’s north Toronto apartment wearing just a shirt, diaper and boots in the early morning hours of Feb. 19. It was hours after a security camera captured him leaving the apartment that his family realized he was gone. After a massive search the boy was found without vital signs in a neighbour’s yard.

READ MORE: Tragic death of Elijah Marsh prompts questions on keeping kids safe

The city was on edge at the news of his disappearance. Elijah’s name was trending on social media as his little body was found and an outpouring of grief followed. A fund set up to raise $20,000 for the family to cover funeral expenses surpassed $170,000 in just days. The family has created a Facebook page in remembrance of Elijah.

A makeshift memorial for the boy sits in front of the grandmother’s apartment building. Last weekend the community gathered to hold a vigil, with Toronto Mayor John Tory in attendance.

With Files from The Canadian Press