A 16-year-old boy died in a two-car crash in Santa Clara on Saturday night, according to the boy’s family and police. Initial reports indicated it was a solo crash, but investigators found another vehicle was involved.
The crash happened at about 9:35 p.m. on northbound Lawrence Expressway at Benton Street, Santa Clara police said.
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Robert Maes Jr. said his 16-year-old grandson, Isaiah Mendoza, died after his car crashed into a pole at the intersection. “Isaiah was my world. Isaiah was my sidekick,” Maes said.
Mendoza had just turned 16 and recently got his driver’s license, according to his grandfather. “New driver. Lost control. Makes no sense,” Maes said.
According to police, a Honda Accord, driven by Mendoza, and a Toyota Camry were traveling on northbound Lawrence Expressway approaching Benton Street when the driver of the Honda made an unsafe turning movement, causing the left rear the vehicle to collide with the right front of the Toyota. The collision caused the Honda’s driver to lose control and crash into a traffic signal pole at the intersection.
When first responders arrived, they found a male driver still inside the Honda and two passengers outside the vehicle, police said. The driver died at the scene, and the two passengers suffered minor injuries.
The driver of the Toyota, a minor, remained at the scene and was cooperative with investigators, police said.
Mendoza was a junior at Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, where he played varsity baseball and soccer.
On Sunday, teammates, classmates and family gathered at the crash site, leaving flowers, candles and mementos.
“It doesn’t even feel real,” said classmate Julian Cuevas. “Like I was just working out with him on Tuesday, and now he’s gone. It’s pretty sad.”
Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Traffic Investigator Scott Wilson at 408-615-4764. Those who wish to remain nameless can leave a message on the SCPD Anonymous Tip Line at (408) 615-4TIP (4847).
