CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — A community is in mourning after an 8-year-old boy was hit and killed while riding an electric scooter in a Chula Vista neighborhood over the weekend.
The fatal crash happened at the South Bay complex in the 2000 block of Tango Loop, where the boy, Mattviel Rodriguez, was visiting family, according to the Chula Vista Police Department.
Tuesday night, a vigil was held to remember Rodriguez, who family endearingly referred to as "Chubby."
The Rodriguez family released the following statement to ABC 10News on Friday, asking for compassion, respect and action:
"The Rodriguez family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the community especially our baseball family as we mourn the tragic loss of our beloved 'Chubby.' We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the first responders, healthcare workers, and neighbors who stood by us and did everything they could to help.
"What happened last Sunday should never have happened. Chubby was a joyful 8-year-old boy, simply enjoying a scooter ride with his older brother and uncle when his life was tragically cut short. It happened on a quiet cul-de-sac — a street where cars should be traveling no more than 5 mph. Yet a vehicle came speeding around the turn, not only far above the speed limit but also in the wrong lane. Many of our neighbors rushed to help Chubby alongside his uncle, doing everything possible until paramedics arrived to take him to the hospital.
"This heartbreaking loss was not due to a child playing recklessly. It was the result of a reckless and inattentive driver. If the driver had been obeying the speed limit and paying attention, Chubby would still be with us today. Our neighborhood has long voiced concerns and requested speed bumps—pleas that have gone unanswered.
"As we prepare to lay Chubby’s body to rest, we humbly ask the media and public for privacy, compassion, and respect during this incredibly painful time."
The GoFundMe set up to support the family during this challenging time has already raised more than $20,000. If you'd like to donate, you can follow this link.
Rodriguez was a baseball player, and the Sweetwater Little League issued a statement about his death.
"We are heartbroken to hear about the tragic accident that has taken the life of someone so young," the league wrote. "Heaven has gained a precious angel far too soon, and our entire baseball community mourns this unimaginable loss."
When officers and firefighters arrived at the scene Sunday afternoon, they found people trying to rescue the child from underneath the vehicle using a jack.
"The boy was removed from under the vehicle, taken to a hospital, and unfortunately passed away," said Sgt. Anthony Molina, Public Information Officer for CVPD.
Residents say the tragedy has deeply affected the neighborhood.
"Just... I can't even imagine it... Like it makes you sick," said Laura Miller, whose daughter lives in the complex.
Miller's daughter lives right where the crash occurred, with two young children of her own.
"It's made my daughter sick. My daughter called me crying," Miller said.
According to police, the driver was a man in his 50s who also lives in the area. Investigators are treating the incident as a traffic collision rather than a criminal investigation, with authorities stating they don't believe alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.
Neighbors are now calling for increased safety measures in the residential area, which they say has long been a concern due to speeding vehicles.
"She lives here with two little boys, so it's already been a concern of hers. The neighbors usually come out with a group of kids and watch on the edges," Miller said.
Residents believe more needs to be done to prevent future tragedies.
"They need to maybe post some signs about children present or a speed limit, you know, slow speed limit," said Merrideth Ross, who lives in the complex.
Miller suggested more aggressive traffic calming measures: "I think that really intense safety measures need to be put in place. There needs to be almost an obnoxious amount of speed bumps."
The investigation into what led to the crash is ongoing.
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