Campbell Teen Dies In San Tomas Expressway Crash

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA – A 16-year-old boy catching a ride to school was killed in a crash this morning in Campbell, a California Highway Patrol spokesman said.

The teen, whose name hasn't been released, was on his skateboard when he was offered a ride by an 18-year-old man he was acquaintances with, CHP Officer Ross Lee said.

The man drove a black two-door BMW convertible onto southbound San Tomas Expressway where he crashed into a center median near a pedestrian overcrossing that links to John D. Morgan Park at about 8 a.m., Lee said.

The man was traveling at 45 mph when he switched to the far left lane, felt the vehicle shake and lost control, according to Lee.

The vehicle ran into a wood and metal guardrail that went through the passenger's side door and struck the 16-year-old boy, who was pronounced dead at the scene, Lee said.

The driver was taken to a hospital where he was given stitches for a cut to the right side of his forehead and was later released, according to Lee.

Drugs or alcohol don't appear to be a factor in the crash. The roadway was wet during the crash that happened during rainfall, but it's not clear if the weather played a role, Lee said.

Drivers are advised to slow down under rainy conditions and to make sure their vehicle is properly functioning before starting their trip, according to the CHP.

Anyone whose car hydroplanes should take their foot off the gas pedal until their wheels regain traction with the road and make sure their vehicle continues traveling within their lane, Lee said.

All northbound lanes were closed at Budd Avenue until about 10:30 a.m., according to Lee.

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--Bay City News/Image via Renee Schiavone, Patch