Paso Robles teen who died in car crash identified by family: ‘Everyone’s best friend’
A GoFundMe has been created for the family of the teenager who died in a fatal car accident in Paso Robles Thursday evening.
The fundraiser identifies the victim only by Joaquin. The person who started it, Jaquelyn Ripley, says she is his sister. Paso Robles police have not confirmed his identity.
“He had just bought a car all on his own and was excited to test out his new car,” Ripley wrote in the online fundraiser. “We are beyond devastated.”
Joaquin, 17, died after he sped through the intersection of 34th and Spring streets at about 5:15 p.m.
Bystanders attempted to save his life by pulling him from the car and performing CPR. In the end, however, they were unsuccessful.
Although there were two other vehicles were involved in the crash, no one else was injured, according to police.
Joaquin leaves behind a 6-month-old daughter, three sisters, a mother and a father.
“He was truly everyone’s best friend, and there are so many people he impacted positively,” Ripley’s GoFundMe says.
She said Joaquin “loved learning about God.” He grew up going to Band of Brothers Ministry retreats every year with his father and would love going to youth group at North County Christian Fellowship, she wrote in the GoFundMe.
“My brother was wise beyond his short years, he loved biology and math and could recite random facts about pretty much anything,” the GoFundMe says. “Ever since he was small he loved working with his hands and being outside or working on cars with his dad.”
Joaquin was a student in the Paso Robles Joint Unified School District. School officials would not confirm which school he attended at the time of his death.
“We notified our counselors of the situation and also asked our teachers to keep on the lookout for students that might be struggling,” said Tom Harrington, director of student services for the district. “Our counselors were prepared to provide emotional support.”
The GoFundMe for Joaquin has raised more than $12,200 within 24 hours — surpassing its goal of $10,000.
If you would like to donate, you can do so at bit.ly/JoaquinGoFundMe.
