Family remembers 15-year-old killed after vehicle crashes into Fresno County canal

TRANQUILLITY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Family members are mourning the loss of a 15-year-old boy who died after a vehicle crashed into a Fresno County canal over the Fourth of July weekend.

Luis Hernandez's relatives gathered outside their Tranquillity home Tuesday as they began adjusting to life without him.

"It makes me feel really sad because he was a young man. If anything, sadness comes to me because we had many plans," said his aunt, Maricela.

Hernandez was preparing to enter his sophomore year at Tranquillity High School. His family described him as a focused student and dedicated soccer player with ambitions for the future.

"He wanted to be someone, he didn't know what he wanted to do as far as his career, but he wanted to be someone," Maricela said.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers responded Saturday morning after receiving a report of a white Toyota in a canal near Lincoln Avenue and James Road. A memorial now stands near the crash site.

Investigators believe Hernandez was approaching a left-hand curve on James Road when he lost control of the vehicle and entered the canal. The vehicle was recovered from the water, but Hernandez died at the scene. Authorities said it is unknown how long he had been inside the vehicle.

"We are like wondering too, what had happened? That was not him," Maricela said.

Family members said Hernandez was driving alone. His aunt said the vehicle was not his and that he did not have a driver's permit.

His family said the circumstances surrounding the incident do not reflect the teenager they knew.

"Nobody knew where he was going because that was not him, he was not a trouble-maker, he would never do stuff like that, like just taking off," Maricela said.

Loved ones remembered Hernandez as quiet, family-oriented and always willing to help around the house. They said he enjoyed spending time with his younger siblings and was well-liked by friends.

Maricela said many of those friends have been regularly visiting the family to offer support during their time of grief.

"I want them to know he had a kind heart, we love him very much," she said.

The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

Hernandez's family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.

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