A father died and a mother suffered serious injuries after a teenage driver struck them in a Gilroy, California, crosswalk moments after they had dropped off their child at Las Animas Elementary School.
At a Glance
- A father was killed and mother injured in a crosswalk on January 16 at about 8 a.m.
- The couple had just completed school drop-off at Las Animas Elementary
- The driver who hit them is a teenager who is cooperating with police
- Drugs, alcohol, and speed are not considered factors
- Why it matters: The tragedy leaves two elementary students without a father while their mother recovers, prompting district-wide counseling
The collision happened at the intersection of Charles Lux Drive and Lopez Way, directly after the parents had walked their Las Animas student onto campus, according to a statement from Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent Anisha Munshi. The couple’s other child attends nearby Rod Kelley Elementary.
Victims Pronounced at Scene
Despite immediate life-saving efforts, the father was declared dead at the scene, the Gilroy Police Department said. The mother was airlifted to a hospital in serious condition.
Police have not released the names of either parent, citing the ongoing investigation.
Teen Driver Detained
The teenage driver remained at the scene and was detained. “The teen driver … is being cooperative with the investigation,” police confirmed in a Friday bulletin.
Authorities added that:
- No signs of impairment were detected
- Speed is not believed to have contributed
- The crash is labeled “a tragic collision”
District Mobilizes Crisis Response
Superintendent Munshi said both Las Animas and Rod Kelley Elementary are offering on-site counseling “to students, families and staff.” The district is also coordinating long-term support for the two children who lost their father and whose mother remains hospitalized.
“I am deeply saddened for the family, our students, the broader community, and the driver,” Munshi wrote. “Please hold all those involved, and our community, close in your hearts.”
Investigation Continues
Police acknowledged Sunday that “there is still much to learn and much to be investigated,” and they asked the public “for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.”
News Of Los Angeles reached out to the Gilroy Police Department for additional comment January 18; no further details were provided.
Key Takeaways
- The fatal crash occurred in a school-zone crosswalk minutes after drop-off
- Authorities have ruled out drugs, alcohol, and speed as causes
- Both elementary schools are providing counseling resources
- The teenage driver is cooperating with investigators
