11-year old Mark Fike had an infectious grin and endless curiosity, He was smart and adventurous, pouring his enthusiasm into everything outdoors, from fishing to camping with his Cub Scout group.

He had a big heart. And he loved bugs.

Mark, a 4th grader, was killed in January in a freak accident when a woman crashed into his school bus stop. Now his family is sharing Mark's love for "critters" as they call them -- and spreading his positive spirit -- through a free event he would have loved attending.

Family say Mark had an irrepressible passion for life.

"Meet Mark's "Friends-A Bug Exploration Hike" is set for Saturday, June 29 along the Butler Freeport Community Trail , located in Butler County, about an hour north of Pittsburgh.

"Bugsperts" (bug experts) from the Western Pennsylvania Audubon Society will lead the hunt for bugs. Those who love and miss Mark have funded the day in his honor so that other children can learn more about Mark's friends in the bug world -- at no cost. All activity materials will be provided, including snacks, drinks and a bugpack that each child can take home.

Details:

• Where: Butler-Freeport Community Trail (meet at Bonniebrook Road Trailhead)
• When: Saturday June 29, 2019, 9 a.m - Noon
• Registration is required ( click here )
• Parking available at the Summit Twp. Building, 502 Bonniebrook Road, Butler, PA 16002

Mark, with Lyssa (9) and Ryan (6) who were also injured.

The hike is just one of the ways Mark's family is committed to making sure he's not forgotten. Dozens of others have joined the Fike family in making sure Mark's memory will be kept alive by donating more than $36,000 to a GoFund Me page.

(Images: Fike family photos)