According to officials, Shawn McCloskey died Thursday. The exact circumstances of the boy's death are still under investigation.
"He was a beautiful little boy, sweet as can be," relative Leon Aaron said. "It was a really shock to the whole family."
Shawn was described as a little man with a big personality.
"He was the happiest, sweetest young boy you'll ever want to see," grandfather Johnny Armstrong said.
According to La Porte police, paramedics responded to an emergency call at home in the 400 block of Dwire around 9am Thursday. When they arrived to the scene, they found Shawn unresponsive. He was transported to an area hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.
An autopsy was performed and the Harris County medical examiner's office ruled the child's death a homicide.
No arrests have been made, but police say they're working to figure out who was with the child last and who may have caused his death.
Shawn's grandfather is waiting for answers.
"Right now, were waiting on results," Armstrong said. "We don't know everything that's going on yet. We're hoping to hear soon."
The child's mother was identified as 24-year-old Stella Gontaruk. His father is Christopher McClosky.
According to family members, the couple was separated at the time of the boy's death. Police have not released any suspects' names.
Family members, friends and community members held a car wash and dinner at the Chantilly Room in La Porte on Saturday. They're hoping to collect money to help with funeral expenses.
Please stay with Eyewitness News and abc13.com for updates.
