Callan West Perez

Callan’s maternal grandparents had been involved in a custody dispute with his father, Elko police said in a statement, according to PEOPLE.

The 11-year-old’s family has since launched a GoFundMe, writing: “It is with shattered hearts that we are asking for help for our family during the most unimaginable loss. Our sweet Callan West Perez, only 11 years old, was taken from us at the hands of someone who was supposed to protect him. There are no words that can truly capture the pain, confusion, and heartbreak we are all living through right now.”

They described him as “smart, funny, and kind – wise beyond his years,” adding: “He had the biggest heart and the sweetest soul. Not to mention a smile that lit up every room he entered. He deserved so much more life, so many more laughs, and a future that was stolen far too soon.”

The tragedy comes less than a year after Callan – who attended school in Merced, California – reportedly placed third in a school district “Father of the Year” essay competition. The contest aimed to inspire children to write about male role models and how they shaped their lives, according to PEOPLE.