6-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Hit by Car While Running Across Interstate Near Home: 'Our Hearts Are Heavy'

12/18/2024 01:48 PM

King Holguin was just two weeks shy of turning 7, according to a GoFundMe set up by loved ones

• California Highway Patrol said a 6-year-old boy, later identified as King Holguin, was killed after he ran onto Interstate 280 and was struck by a vehicle on Friday, Dec. 13.
• His family has said that King, a boy with autism, somehow got out of their home that night and that he had difficulty understanding traffic
• "I just want to hold him," the boy's father said in one interview, adding that "everyone misses him"

A 6-year-old boy with autism was fatally struck by a car last weekend after he ran onto an interstate in San Jose, California.

In a Monday, Dec. 16 news release shared with PEOPLE, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) said officers in San Jose responded to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian and a vehicle on Interstate 280 on the late evening of Friday, Dec. 13.  

According to a preliminary investigation, a 6-year-old boy was on the right shoulder of I-280 northbound, south of Leland Avenue. 

"For an unknown reason," said the CHP in its news release, "the pedestrian ran into the number three lane of I-280 northbound, where they were struck by a 2024 Nissan Altima, driven by a 36 year old male from San Jose. The pedestrian sustained major injuries and was transported to the hospital where they were pronounced deceased."

Related: 4-Year-Old Boy Is the Only Survivor of Calif. Car Crash That Killed 4 Others: Reports

In an email to PEOPLE, the Santa Clara Medical Examiner identified the boy as King Holguin, sharing that his cause of death was multiple blunt force injuries due to the collision. The manner of death was determined to be accidental.

According to Fox affiliate KTVU, the apartment where King's family lives is close to the interstate. 

King's family told CW affiliate KRON that the boy had difficulty understanding traffic.

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Speaking with KTVU, King's mother, Victoria Olivas, said that despite child safety locks at the home, the boy managed to escape — and she said that she believed he'd only been outside for a few minutes before she noticed he was gone.

The CHP said in its news release that the incident is under investigation. 

Related: 13-Year-Old Boy Dead, Dad Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash in Washington

"I just want to hold him," the boy's father, who was not identified, said during an interview with ABC affiliate KGO. "I want him back, but I know he is in a better place. He was always outgoing, loving and the house is quiet without him. But I know everyone misses him and I miss him."

A GoFundMe was created for King's family to help pay for their child's funeral expenses, which has raised over $26,000 as of Wednesday, Dec. 18. The fundraiser description said King was two weeks shy of turning 7 before his death.

"King was very outgoing, energetic, adventurous, stubborn, loving boy who loved to play and run around all the time," read a message on the fundraising page. "He had tons of energy. He is now resting in heaven with his grandmother who will take the best care of him."

"Our hearts are very heavy, we would do anything to get more time with him," the message continued.

Related: Family Speaks Out After 13-Year-Old Boy Is Hit and Killed by Speeding Driver: 'We're in a Nightmare'

According to KTVU, King was a student at Bagby Elementary in San Jose. In a letter to the community on Monday, Dec. 16, the Cambrian School District shared the news of King's death, writing: "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who are grieving during this incredibly difficult time."