SAN MARCOS, Calif. (KGTV) - A San Marcos family is dealing with an unbearable loss.
The Houghton family was involved in a horrific crash that killed their 13-year-old son, Bryce, Saturday night on the 405 in Orange County.
The family of five was headed to San Luis Obispo to visit relatives, according to Michael Houghton. Their 17-year-old daughter was driving, when their van began to slow down. Michael says it seemed like it was running out of gas.
It stopped in the HOV lane. Michael, his wife, and three kids decided to stay in the van buckled up and call for help. While they waited for 911 and a tow truck, CHP says a pickup truck slammed into the van. Another vehicle hit the pickup truck after the initial crash.
The CHP arrested the driver of the pickup truck on suspicion of DUI.
Officers said the driver of the pickup had major injuries. Four people in the third vehicle received minor injuries.
Michael described his youngest son as a jovial person who loved to make people smile.
“Short in stature but big in personality,” Michael said. “One of the things he loved the most was to make people happy.”
The Houghton’s other two children, 15-year-old Mason, and 17-year-old Carissa, received minor injuries, though Mason will be on crutches, according to his dad. Michael’s wife, Gael, needed surgery. Michael received injuries to the back of his head, and injuries to his eye that had previously undergone a procedure.
The family was very involved with Anthem Church in Vista, as well as Bread of Life Rescue Mission in Oceanside. The Houghtons had organized an event for the homeless on the Saturday before the crash.
Bryce was a student at San Elijo Middle School. Mason and Carissa go to San Marcos High School.
There is a GoFundMe page started for the family.
