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Family mourning after 6-year-old autistic boy struck and killed wandering on Interstate 280 in San Jose
The family of a 6-year old autistic boy is grieving after he was struck and killed on Interstate 280 in San Jose. Authorities say the accident happened late Friday night in the northbound lanes of the highway, near Leland Avenue.
SAN JOSE, Calif. - A 6-year-old boy was killed this weekend on Interstate Highway 280 in San Jose, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner identified the boy as King Holguin.
His mother, Victoria Olivas, who was too sad to speak on camera, told KTVU on Monday that her son was autistic and non-verbal, with no understanding of traffic. He was a "determined kid," she said, who had once broken the windows to get out.
Olivas said her home has child safety locks but somehow, King managed to escape. She believes he wanted to play in the rain, and had only been outside for a few minutes before she noticed he had left the house.
The family's apartment sits not far from Interstate 280.
Olivas said she is wracked with guilt and grief.
The boy's aunt also spoke to KTVU on Monday, saying he was energetic and determined.
"He was a good kid. I'm sad that he's going to be gone really early. He had so much life," said Lydia Holguin.
According to CHP Capt. Justin Bradford, the young boy ran into the No. 3 lane of I-280 south of Leland Avenue on Friday just before 11 p.m.
King Holguin, 6, San Jose.
That's when he was struck by a 36-year-old driver of a 2024 Nissan Altima.
The boy sustained major injuries and died at the hospital, the CHP said.
The CHP said that the crash is under investigation, but added that the driver stayed on scene and drugs and alcohol did not appear to be involved.
King was supposed to turn 7 years old in two weeks.
With an aid, King attended Bagby Elementary. He enjoyed participating in Special Olympics.
Loved ones had been looking forward to Christmas, and King's birthday on New Years.
Instead, they're planning fundraisers to help pay for his funeral.
Fundraisers for King will be held this weekend.
The first will be on Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. at Willow Street and Carolyn Avenue in San Jose, where they will have cookies and hot cocoa.
The second will be on Dec. 21 at 12 p.m. at 1320 Willow Street in San Jose, where they will be selling taco plates and pozole for $10 each. There will also be t-shirts for $20.
The last fundraiser will be on Dec. 22 from 11-3 p.m. at 1539 Willowgate Drive in San Jose.
The family has also set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses.