8-Year-Old Watsonville Boy Killed In Monterey County Crash

MONTEREY COUNTY - A Watsonville boy killed in a head-on collision involving a sleeping driver in unincorporated Monterey County south of Watsonville on Wednesday afternoon has been identified as 8-year-old Adrian Bocanegra, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Adrian and his 6-year-old brother, who was injured in the collision, were in a black 1996 Honda Civic driven by their 35-year-old father heading east on Hall Road just east of Elkhorn Road shortly before 2 p.m., CHP officials said.

A 79-year-old Watsonville man in a maroon 2011 Mercedes-Benz going west on Hall Road fell asleep while he was driving and the vehicle crossed into an eastbound lane into the Honda's path, according to the CHP.

The Honda driver tried to avoid the Mercedes, but the front of both vehicles collided with each other, CHP officials said.

The 8-year-old boy suffered blunt force trauma to his neck and head. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene, according to the CHP.

Adrian's brother was injured and airlifted to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, CHP officials said.

An update on his condition was not immediately available Thursday morning.

The younger passenger was not properly restrained in a car seat, according to the CHP. While an 8-year-old child isn't legally required to be in a car seat, the CHP recommends keeping them in one until they can be properly secured with a seatbelt over their shoulder and across their chest, CHP officials said.

The boys' father suffered moderate injuries, including lacerations, and complained of pain to his leg and chest, CHP officials said.

The Mercedes driver was left with a bloody nose, according to the CHP.

Both drivers were treated at the scene, CHP officials said.

Investigators do not suspect drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision, according to the CHP.

-Bay City News, image via ShutterStock