1 of 2 teenagers dies after being hit by vehicle in Sanger, police say

SANGER, Calif. (KFSN) -- One of the two teenagers hit by a vehicle in Sanger Tuesday night has died from their injuries.

Sanger police say around 7:20 p.m., a vehicle hit a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl as they were crossing the road at Bethel and Almond avenues.

Both were taken to a local hospital, where the boy died of his injuries.

Mayor Frank Gonzalez says this hits close to home for the community.

"It was basically a gut punch, you know something like this happened almost a year ago and it just made me relive that moment of just feeling of sorrow," said Mayor Gonzalez.

Last March, 10-year-old Jameson Doyle also died in Sanger after being hit by a car just down the road from this crash.

Acting police chief Jason Boust says in Tuesday's crash, the driver didn't see the teenagers and it's unclear if they were using the crosswalk.

He adds that this is a reminder for everyone to be vigilant.

"No matter what your age is you have to look both ways, you have to use your ears, you have to use your eyes," said Chief Boust.

"Same thing for the drivers, put your devices down, focus on the roadway."

The city says it's already in the works for that intersection to get a much-needed upgrade to increase safety.

"This project to do new signalization in the crosswalks over - it started last year in 24 and it's due to finish up this summer, so we'll have new signalization," said city manager Nathan Olson.

For parents like Jesus Bernag, this latest tragedy hits too close to home.

He says that because the crash happened near the school, he drove his daughter to campus today.

"You never know, that's why I got to tell my daughter to be more focused when she get off of school because at one point I'm not going to be able to drive her back and forth every day," said Bernaga.

The Sanger Unified School District released a statement about the crash, writing, in part:

"Our hearts are with both families, and we remain in close contact to offer our full support during this incredibly difficult time. In response to this tragedy, our crisis support team has been mobilized to assist students, staff, and families. Counseling services are available at Sanger High School, Sanger West High School, and other district sites as needed."

The teenager who died has not yet been identified and the investigation is still ongoing.

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