A 16-year-old boy tragically died in a car crash just after receiving his driver’s license, police said. The Santa Clara Police Department reported that the fatal collision occurred on September 20 around 9:36 p.m. at Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street.
First responders found the teen driver, later identified as Isaiah Mendoza, still inside his Honda Accord, while two passengers were outside the vehicle. Emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Mendoza succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The passengers sustained minor injuries.
Investigators determined a Toyota Camry was also involved. The collision happened when the Honda made an unsafe turn, striking the left rear of the Toyota with its front right portion. The Honda then lost control and crashed into a traffic signal pole. Police noted the Honda appeared to be traveling over the speed limit, though the exact speed is still under investigation. The minor Toyota driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
Mendoza, a student at Wilcox High School, played varsity baseball and soccer. His death deeply affected classmates and the community, who gathered at the crash site with candles, flowers, and mementos. “It doesn’t even feel real,” said classmate Julian Cuevas. “Like I was just working out with him on Tuesday, and now he’s gone. It’s pretty sad.”
In response to the tragedy, Mendoza’s family launched a GoFundMe, raising over $38,000 to help support them after losing their “kind, driven, smart, handsome, and talented” son.
Leave a Reply