Family of skateboarder killed in crash speaks out, urging caution on road

UNINCORPORATED RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) - The family of 20-year-old Juan Mejia is sharing his memory after he was killed in a crash while riding his skateboard in unincorporated Riverside County.

Mejia was riding on Mountain View and Dillon Road when he was hit by a car the night of December 5th. California Highway Patrol says the driver decided to 'unsafely' pass a slower-moving vehicle over the solid double yellow lines and struck Mejia.  

News Channel 3 spoke exclusively with Mejia's sister, Jacquelyn, who set up a memorial at the scene of the crash.

"He was always giving out candy. His favorite chips are right there. This is his favorite type of beer," she said of the memorial adorned with pieces from his life, including the skateboard he died while riding.

His sister says Mejia loved watching cartoons, playing video games, and was beloved among community members as he rode across Desert Hot Springs.

"He was always on his skateboard riding around DHS. You know, I'm pretty sure, like, literally the whole city knows him because he was always on his skateboard," Jacquelyn said.

Now, as the family works to process the news of his death, they say drivers and pedestrians in the area need to move forward with caution.

"I wouldn't say this is the safest road to be walking by. It needs some light. It's very dark here at night," she said.

The family claims deaths on Mountain View Road are all too common with low visibility and narrow lanes.

News Channel 3 has covered several crashes in the area, including a motorcycle accident earlier this week. We reached out to CHP for more information on the total number of incidents in recent years but have yet to hear back.

Now, Jacquelyn hopes others will learn their lesson before more lives are lost.

"My aunt was just driving, you know, we're coming from church, and they crossed her on a double yellow on this road. I'm like dude there's just an accident not even a mile away from here," she said.

If you'd like to support Mejia's family as they work to cover funeral expenses, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-juan-mejia

The family is hosting a food fundraiser at the Casa Del Sol Mobile Home Park Saturday December 20th at 4 p.m. to also support the funeral expenses.