8-Year-Old Watsonville Boy Killed In Monterey County Crash Had "Big Personality"

MONTEREY COUNTY - An 8-year-old boy killed in a head-on collision in unincorporated Monterey County south of Watsonville on Wednesday afternoon was known to be an outgoing, athletic student who had a "big personality," his school principal said today.

Brian Saxton, principal of Bradley Elementary School in Watsonville, remembered speaking with second-grader Adrian Bocanegra, before he left the campus on a bus Wednesday afternoon.

Adrian, his 6-year-old brother and their 35-year-old father were in a black 1996 Honda Civic that collided with a maroon 2011 Mercedes-Benz on Hall Road east of Elkhorn Road shortly before 2 p.m., California Highway Patrol officials said.

Also on Patch: 8-Year-Old Watsonville Boy Killed In Monterey County Crash

The Mercedes driver, a 79-year-old Watsonville man, fell asleep while he was driving west when the vehicle crossed over to an eastbound lane and into the Honda's path, according to the CHP.

The boys' father tried to avoid the Mercedes, but the front of both vehicles collided with each other, CHP officials said.

The 8-year-old boy suffered blunt force trauma to his neck and head. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene, according to the CHP.

Adrian's brother was injured and airlifted to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, CHP officials said. An update on his condition was not immediately available Thursday.

A letter has been sent out to families at Bradley Elementary, and counselors will be available for students and staff on campus for as long as they're needed, Saxton said.

Adrian's younger brother is a first-grade student at the school, the principal said.

Saxton recalled Adrian as an energetic student who wasn't afraid to make a presentation in front of his classmates and was "well-liked" by his peers.

The athletic 8-year-old was a fan of the Golden State Warriors and pretended to be the team's players with his friends on the basketball court, Saxton said.

Adrian was also a good participant in class, Saxton said.

First through third grade students have made butterflies in their art classes with words describing Adrian while others have made cards that will all be collected for the boy's family, according to Saxton.

The loss of a student was a first in Saxton's more than 20-year career. "It just doesn't feel real and you just kind of feel helpless," the principal said.

While an 8-year-old child isn't legally required to be in a car seat, the CHP recommends keeping them in one until they can be properly secured with a seatbelt over their shoulder and across their chest, CHP officials said. Adrian's brother was not properly restrained in a car seat, according to the CHP.

The boys' father suffered moderate injuries, including lacerations, and complained of pain to his leg and chest, CHP officials said.

The Mercedes driver was left with a bloody nose, according to the CHP. Both drivers were treated at the scene, CHP officials said.

Investigators do not suspect drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision, according to the CHP.

A GoFundMe account set up to help Adrian's family has raised $17.010 of its $20,000 goal as of 4:30 a.m. Friday morning.

Donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/maz2jaqc.

By Bay City News Service, image via gofundme.com