Indio teen dies while chasing skateboard

An Indio teen died early Wednesday morning while grabbing his skateboard, police say.

Police say 19-year-old Shaun Clark Jr. was skateboarding with friends around 11:00 p.m. at Avenue 43 west of Calhoun Street.

For an unknown reason, police say he lost control of his skateboard. As he was chasing after his skateboard, he ran directly into the path of a westbound black Jeep Wrangler. Clark was originally taken to John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital, and was later airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center where he died.

The driver of the Jeep Wrangler was cooperative with police investigating the accident. At this point in the investigation, alcohol and speed do not appear to be a factor on the driver’s part, according to Indio police.

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Shaun Clark Jr., called Shayj by friends and family, was a senior at Shadow Hills High School in Indio.

He played tennis and soccer, and was involved in robotics, among other sports and activities.

There will be counseling available for students and staff at Shadow Hills High School on Monday, when the school returns from spring break.

Clark’s mother, Ginger Clark, posted the following statements on Facebook: “There are no words to describe my loss. Any one who knew Shayj knows that he is in heaven now. I have no doubt about that. It is the only thing that can bring peace. Thank you all for your thoughts, prayers and calls. Please continue to pray for our healing.” Also, in part, “There was nothing that could be done. It was a horrible awful accident. Thank you everyone for your prayers. He is watching over us now from heaven.”