16-year-old Thomas Ryder Shoup has been identified as one of the two victims in last week’s car crash on I-5 South near Palomar Street.
The Chula Vista car crash was a wrong-way incident when the 16-year-old teen was driving Southbound on the interstate before colliding with a 67-year-old woman who was wrong-way driving Northbound near Palomar Street.
Both drivers died at the scene after suffering the damage of being trapped in their fully-flamed vehicles, according to California Highway Patrol.
Ryder’s family has set up a fundraiser and shared the following words about the Imperial Beach teenager.
“Ryder has been surrounded by so much love since the day he was born and could light up a room with his infectious smile.
He was able to accomplish so much at just 16 years old and leaves behind his son Marcelo, and his girlfriend Eliana, who meant the world to Ryder. He was also a loving son, brother, and uncle.
His parents, Ashley & Derek and Danielle & Tommy, are going through something that no parent should have to go through.”
If anyone in the community witnessed this incident or has additional information, contact the CHP San Diego Area at (858) 293-6000.