WATSONVILLE—Two people, including a 16-year-old Watsonville boy, were killed on March 19 in a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Green Valley Road and Pennsylvania Drive.
Watsonville Police Department spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said the 20-year-old driver, identified by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office as Jose Fernandez III of Watsonville, sped through a red light on Green Valley Road in his Nissan Altima around 11:30pm. His car collided with a Chevrolet pickup that was making a left turn onto Pennsylvania Drive.
Fernandez died at the scene. Two passengers were taken to the hospital, where the teen boy later died. The other passenger, a 20-year-old man, is expected to recover from his injuries, Pulido said.
The Sheriff’s Office said it is not disclosing the teen’s name because he is a minor.
The impact of the crash caused the Chevy pickup to collide with a Honda that was stopped on Green Valley Road.
The driver of the pickup was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries, while the driver of the Honda was uninjured.
By Monday, a large makeshift altar, including about 50 votive candles, numerous flower bouquets, handwritten notes and photographs, had formed near the crash site.
Fritzy Ortega, who said she was Fernandez’s friend, was at the altar on Tuesday.
“Everyone liked (Fernandez),” Ortega said. “He was just a kind person. It’s very sad.”
Leonel Grande, another one of Fernadez’s friends at the altar Tuesday, said Fernandez was a good athlete with various interests.
“Jose was good at football, and handball—he was a natural,” he said. “And he loved nature. He loved to be out under the trees. He loved music and he was a good rapper, too. He was from a big family.”
Wendy Ortega spent part of her Tuesday afternoon at the altar as well.
“He could make anyone laugh,” she said “He was always in a good mood. He would make you feel comfortable and welcome; it was a real gift.”
Fernandez’s sister, Isabel, set up a GoFundMe account the day after the crash to help the family defray funeral costs. As of Thursday morning, more than 127 people had donated roughly $7,000.
Isabel said that her brother loved all nine of his siblings, and that he gave back to the community by coaching basketball and volunteering at the local YMCA.
“He enjoyed his jobs. Working with kids reminded him of his siblings,” she said. “Jose always had the biggest smile and the most perfect laugh. He has the kindest soul.”
Back at the alter on Tuesday, a woman who chose to not use her name described the 16-year-old as being “full of energy.”
“He was always like that, every time I saw him,” she said.
To donate to the GoFundMe account, visit bit.ly/358bIEu. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact WPD officer Bobby Rodriguez at 831-889-8410.
People, slow down please. I hate to mention this, but Hispanic drivers are the most reckless drivers. The bay area car accident data shows this. Save your lives and others. please.