Oh my gosh, how very very sad. Bless you for helping this dad and his son even though I'm sure you are grieving your friend's loss as well.
I love the idea of the angel Christmas ornament. When my husband was very young, probably around 5, he made an angel Christmas tree topper at school and his mother used it every year until she died a couple years ago. I think it always made my husband feel very special that she took care of it and used it for 30+ years. All it was was a styrofoam ball for the head with blue beads that he used straight pins to stick on for the eyes and I think he drew on the nose and the mouth, a golden pipe cleaner for the halo, posterboard cutouts for the wings and gold (shiny gold, not like yellow gold) construction paper taped in a cone shape for the body so it would fit on the top of the tree. I think he may have glued on a few buttons on the front for decoration too. He has it put away somewhere as he got it when she passed. She always made a big deal about putting it on the Christmas tree every year so I think it was as special to her as it was to him.
What a horrible tragedy. I will keep this little boy and his father in my prayers.
Blessings,
N.