Fundraiser held for 8-year-old boy killed in Mecca crash

Family and friends of an 8-year-old boy who was killed after a one-car crash near Mecca on Monday, July 27, are holding a fundraiser at John Kelly Elementary School this week.

The Riverside County Coroner’s Office never officially released the boy’s identity, but family and friends have been reaching out to News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 and said the boy’s name was Oliver Vasquez.

Organizers of the fundraiser said you can donate to help Oliver’s family in this painful time. Donations will be accepted in the office of John Kelly Elementary School through Friday, August 7 during school hours. The school is located in Thermal at 87163 Center Street.

Officials said the crash happened just after 7 p.m. as 31-year-old Elizabeth Alvarado from Thermal was driving a 2006 Toyota Sienna on Highway 111 south of Mecca Avenue. Four juvenile passengers were in the SUV at the time.

For unknown reasons, Alvarado drifted to the right and the SUV went off the road. She ended up losing control and the Toyota overturned.

The boy was ejected from the SUV and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers said he was unrestrained at the time of the crash. Alvarado and an 11-year old girl were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Officials also said a 5-year-old boy and a 2-year-old boy were in the SUV at the time, but they were not hurt. The 8-year-old boy was the only passenger who was unrestrained, according to the release.

Alcohol and/or drugs don’t appear to be factors in the crash, but the cause is still under investigation.

Authorities say this is another important reminder to make sure your kids are always buckled up in the car.

“It’s your job to the do right thing and make sure that everyone in the car has their seat belt on. It’s important that you set that example, that you always wear your seat belt,” said Mike Radford, public information officer with the California Highway Patrol.

News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will report more information as soon as we hear back from authorities.