Teen dad killed in wrong-way car crash on California highway leaves behind son and girlfriend
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: Two people, including a teen father, have tragically lost their lives after a crash on Interstate 5 in Southern California on Wednesday, April 10.
According to NBC affiliate KNSD, the California Highway Patrol said 67-year-old Eileen Crawford was driving a Honda Civic when the vehicle entered the southbound lanes of I-5 near the San Ysidro Port of Entry off of Camino del la Plaza around 3 am local time.
The driver then reportedly collided with a car being operated by 16-year-old Thomas Ryder Shoup, also known as Ryder Day, per CBS affiliate KFMB-TV. Both Crawford and the Imperial Beach teenager, who was a 10th grader at Mar Vista High School, breathed their last at the scene of the crash.
Thomas Ryder Shoup leaves behind a loving family
Ryder leaves behind his son Marcelo and girlfriend Eliana, “who meant the world” to him, according to a loved one who started a GoFundMe campaign for the teen’s family following his sudden death.
In a message on the fundraiser, Ryder was described as “a loving son, brother, and uncle” who “was able to accomplish so much at just 16 years old.”
“Ryder was the sweetest kid, and touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him,” the message read. "Ryder has been surrounded by so much love since the day he was born and could light up a room with his infectious smile."
"His parents, Ashley & Derek and Danielle & Tommy, are going through something that no parent should have to go through,” the fundraiser read further.
Thomas Ryder Shoup was 'competitive' and 'very athletic'
Ryder also “served in the city’s Junior Lifeguard program for many years,” according to a statement shared by the City of Imperial Beach.
He was described as being “very athletic” and “competitive” while always having “a smile on his face.” “His instructors knew him as a great kid who was well liked,” city officials remarked.
Mar Vista High School issues a statement after Thomas Ryder Shoup's death
"It is with great sadness that I share with you the news about the death of one of our beloved students, Ryder Shoup," a statement by Mar Vista High School began.
"Our entire school community has been profoundly affected by this loss. Ryder was a kind 10th grade student with a memorable smile. He was actively involved in our football program and served as a lifeguard in the community," the school said.
"We are committed to providing the support and care needed to help our students during this difficult time," they concluded.
A neighbor speaks on Eileen Crawford after her death
Francisco Beltran, Crawford’s neighbor and close friend, told KNSD that she was receiving radiation treatments for cancer and was sometimes forgetful.
A toxicology report is pending, according to the outlet. As of midday Friday, April 12, more than $36,000 has been raised through the GoFundMe campaign.
