Coroner IDs Campbell Teen Killed In Crash On San Tomas Expressway

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA – A 16-year-old boy who was killed in a crash Thursday morning has been identified as Westmont High School sophomore Gabriel Loreto Garate, according to Campbell Unified High School District officials.

Garate was catching a ride to school on the rain-soaked morning when the car he was riding in crashed into a center median on San Tomas Expressway at about 8 a.m., according to the California Highway Patrol.

The driver, an acquaintance of Garate's, suffered a cut to his forehead that required stitches but escaped serious injury, the CHP said.

Today, Westmont High School announced that it is providing mental health and grief counselors to students and staff.

"Nothing really ever prepares you for something like this," said Westmont Principal Abra Evanoff. "The best thing we can do as a school is to come together and support each other and take care of each other."

The driver, whose name was not released by investigators, was traveling at 45 mph when he switched to the far left lane, felt the vehicle shake and lost control, according to CHP Officer Ross 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.

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

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--Bay City News/Patch file photo