Community Rallies For North Co. Family In Crash That Killed Son

SAN MARCOS, CA – A spring break trip for a San Marcos family of five came to a tragic halt over the weekend when their minivan was hit from behind by a suspected drunk driver on Interstate 405 in Orange County -- killing a 13-year-old boy, Bryce Houghton, and injuring his mom, dad, brother and sister.

To help ease their life-jarring pain and pending expenses of funeral arrangements, medical bills and a new vehicle, a GoFundMe campaign, the "Houghton Family Fund (in honor of Bryce)," was established by a local community member.

"The family is heartbroken they have shared their last laugh with Bryce, but believe strongly he is in heaven with his Lord Jesus," the fund's organizer wrote.

The Houghtons on Saturday night were enroute from North County to visit extended family when their vehicle ran out of gas at 10:50 p.m., and they were stuck, parked on the inside shoulder of the northbound San Diego Freeway in Fountain Valley, according to officials and the online fundraiser.

"They called 911, buckled up and waited for the police to arrive," the GoFundMe stated.

The Houghtons' Honda Odyssey, however, was struck from behind by a 24-year-old man driving a black, 2014 Toyota Tacoma pickup, which subsequently was rear-ended by a silver, 2019 Toyota Tacoma, California Highway Patrol Officer G. Aguirre said.

The teen, Bryce, died from his injuries, while his family members suffered moderate to major injuries and were hospitalized, the officer said.

Bryce's mother, Gael, underwent surgery for a shattered pelvis, while Michael, the father, was treated for a gash and will require surgery on his eye, according to the fundraiser, adding that siblings, Carissa and Mason, were treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital.

The driver of the black Tacoma suffered major injuries and was arrested at a hospital for suspicion of driving under the influence, Aguirre said.

Four people inside the silver Tacoma also suffered minor injuries, he said.

"It's hard to estimate all of the needs (the Houghtons) will have in the coming days and weeks," the online campaign said. "A new vehicle; medical bills; the family was taken to three hospitals the night of the accident; funeral arrangements for Bryce. Every prayer matters. Every gift, no matter how small, is important. Thank you for serving a family who has served our community so well."

Those interested in contributing to the GoFundMe, can follow this link.

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