Watch CBS News

Teen Killed In Car Crash After Accepting A Ride To School

CAMPBELL (CBS SF) -- A 16-year-old boy who was killed in a crash Thursday morning has been identified as Westmont High School sophomore Gabriel Loreto Garate, according to Campbell Unified High School District officials.

Garate was catching a ride to school on the rain-soaked morning when the car he was riding in crashed into a center median on San Tomas Expressway at about 8 a.m. Thursday, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The driver, an acquaintance of Garate's, suffered a cut to his forehead that required stitches but escaped serious injury, the CHP said.

teen-killed

Westmont High School announced Friday that it is providing mental health and grief counselors to students and staff.

"Nothing really ever prepares you for something like this," said Westmont Principal Abra Evanoff. "The best thing we can do as a school is to come together and support each other and take care of each other."

The driver, whose name was not released by investigators, was traveling at 45 mph when he switched to the far left lane, felt the vehicle shake and lost control, according to CHP Officer Ross Lee.

The vehicle ran into a wood and metal guardrail that went through the passenger's side door and struck the 16-year-old boy, who was pronounced dead at the scene, Lee said.

Drugs or alcohol don't appear to be a factor in the crash. The roadway was wet from rain, but it's not clear if the weather played a role, Lee said.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Bay City News Service contributed to this report.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.