A memorial fund has been established for a 4-year-old Gilroy boy
who was killed after the car he was traveling in was struck by a
tractor-trailer truck and another vehicle on Highway 156.
A memorial fund has been established for a 4-year-old Gilroy boy who was killed after the car he was traveling in was struck by a tractor-trailer truck and another vehicle on Highway 156.
Alex Navarro and 48-year-old Maria Almanza-Romero from Castroville, were killed as a result of a 2:35 p.m. Friday collision west of Meridian Road in Monterey County, according to the California Highway Patrol.
“It’s so sad that happened to him,” said family friend Cynthia del Torro. “His life was so precious … and to just be taken like that.”
Hollister resident Ron Williams, 52, was driving the truck westbound when he noticed Romero’s 1992 Honda Accord stopped in traffic preparing to make a left turn into a private driveway, according to the CHP. Williams didn’t notice the car in time and struck Romero, sending her vehicle spinning across eastbound traffic, the CHP said.
“For an unknown reason, the driver (Williams) failed to see the Honda stopped there,” said CHP spokesman Robert Lehman. “The driver had to take evasive action … but was unable to avoid colliding with the rear of the Honda.”
Williams’ truck continued into eastbound traffic after rear-ending Romero’s vehicle, where CHP officials say he struck the 2003 Chrysler Sebring carrying Navarro and 29-year-old Gilroy driver Cassandra Jones.
Jones’ car – which the CHP says was hit by Romero and Williams – was pushed off the south edge of the roadway.
Jones was taken to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas, where she was treated for minor injuries, according to the CHP.
Torro, 25, believes Jones has been released from the hospital. The Natividad Medical Center has not returned phone calls and the CHP had no updates to report on Jones as of press time.
Williams suffered minor injuries, and was treated at the scene, the CHP said.
Lehman said the investigation is ongoing and no cause of the accident has been released. “Although it doesn’t appear that drugs or alcohol have played any part,” he said.
Torro said her husband, Gilbert Mendoza, is a good friend of Gilroy resident Alex’s father, Ernie.
Torro’s son, Gilbert Mendoza Jr., is close in age to Navarro. She said the two frequently played together at family gatherings, and enjoyed each other’s company.
A memorial fund has been set up for Alex, according to Mendoza.
Those wishing to contribute to the Alex Navarro Memorial Fund can visit any Wells Fargo with checks made payable to: Jorge Navarro 1559086127.
