Carolyn King described her nephew Nicholas King as being "funny, kind and caring."

"He was absolutely a joy to be around," she said. "He was just an absolutely lovely kid, and this was a tragedy that should never happen to a family."

King, 15, of Dexter, died Sept. 9 as a result of injuries sustained during a boat crash in Gladwin County.

According to King's obituary, "His charm, charisma and quirky sense of humor made all who met him, love him."

King is survived by his mother Carla Pizzoli, his father Greg King, his sister Kelsi and his brother Joe.

King was athletic and enjoyed sports including soccer, basketball, wakeboarding and snowboarding. He was a sophomore at Dexter High School.

Carolyn King said her nephew was "very genuine" and a "tremendous athlete" who was well-liked by his classmates.

"And the outpouring of love he's had from the Dexter community shows he was without a doubt one of the most popular and loved kids," she added.

According to King's obituary, he "touched the lives of many people with his smile, big blue eyes, compassion for others and his ability to make people laugh."

Earlier this week, Dexter Community Schools interim superintendent Mary Marshall told AnnArbor.com that the school district's crisis committee had convened to make sure grief counseling and support was available for students.

Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Home in Dexter is handling the arrangements. Visitation will take place on Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church at Mast and North Territorial roads north of Dexter. A funeral will be held at the church on Wednesday at 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in King's name at TCF Bank to raise money for improvements to the soccer fields at Dexter High School.

Heather Lockwood is a reporter for AnnArbor.com, reach her at heatherlockwood@annarbor.com or follow her on Twitter.