A 15-year-old boy preparing for his sophomore year of high school was found dead inside a submerged vehicle in a Fresno County canal on the Fourth of July, leaving his family grappling with unanswered questions on how he died.
Luis Alonzo Hernández, of Tranquillity, was identified as the victim by the Fresno County Coroner's Office as the driver of the vehicle, the coroner’s office confirmed to numerous outlets. The coroner’s office did not respond to a request for comment from NTD News prior to publication.
The California Highway Patrol said in a press release that a white 2016 Toyota Corolla was recovered from a canal on James Road, south of Lincoln Avenue. A passerby spotted the wheels of the vehicle protruding from the water and contacted authorities at around 6:43 a.m. on July 4.
CHP officers responded to the scene and, with help from the Fresno County Fire boat rescue team, pulled the vehicle from the canal. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators said it is unknown how long he had been inside the submerged vehicle before being discovered.
According to the CHP, the preliminary investigation indicates Hernandez was driving south on James Road when the roadway curved to the left near the intersection with Lincoln Avenue. For reasons that remain under investigation, the driver failed to navigate the curve and the vehicle went straight into the canal. CHP officials said it has not yet been determined when the crash occurred, and whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the CHP Fresno Area Office at (559) 705-2200.
"Nobody knew where he was going because that was not him. He was not a troublemaker; he would never do stuff like that, like just taking off," Maricela said.
Relatives described Hernandez as a quiet, family-oriented young man who enjoyed helping around the house and spending time with his younger siblings. He was also a dedicated soccer player who had aspirations for his future.
"He wanted to be someone. He didn't know what he wanted to do as far as his career, but he wanted to be someone," Maricela said.
A memorial has been established near the site where the vehicle was recovered. The California Highway Patrol said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing.