San Jose

15-year-old Willow Glen High student hit and killed in San Jose

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A 15-year-old boy died early Wednesday in San Jose after being struck by a vehicle at an apartment complex on Rinconada Drive, according to police.

The collision occurred at about 12:55 a.m. in the 2400 block of Rinconada Drive in the city's Canoas Garden neighborhood. A 2019 Subaru sedan struck the teen at a low speed, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The victim was identified later Wednesday as San Jose resident and Willow Glen High School student Justin Estira, according to the coroner's office and school district.

A 15-year-old boy died early Wednesday in San Jose after being struck by a vehicle at an apartment complex on Rinconada Drive, according to police. Stephanie Magallon reports.

Carrying flowers and still in shock, friends of Estira gathered in the driveway of the apartment complex to remember him.

"He was very open, very friendly," Eden Tafolla said. "He had many friends. He was very loved in the community, in the school and everything."

A 15-year-old boy died early Wednesday in San Jose after being struck by a vehicle at an apartment complex. Marianne Favro reports.

Aurelia Bailey, Estira's aunt, said his parents had looked forward to watching their son embrace a promising future.

"They came here to the United States hoping for a better life," Bailey said. "They're an immigrant family from the Philippines. They wanted a better life for Justin, who was a very positive young man who had a bright future."

The driver, a juvenile female, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, police said. She was interviewed by police at the scene and later released to her parents.

"There's no indication that this was done on purpose," San Jose police Sgt. Jorge Garibay said. "At this point, we're investigating that as a simple vehicle collision with just unfortunate circumstances."

A message to the school community indicated counselors would be available on the Willow Glen High campus for students and staff Wednesday and Thursday.

Rinconada Drive was partially closed for several hours as police investigated the crash.

It's San Jose's 19th fatal collision, 20th traffic death and 12th pedestrian death of 2023, according to police.

The investigation is onging. Anyone with information should contact Detective O'Brien of SJPD's Traffic Investigations Unit at 3527@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4654. Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.svcrimestoppers.org.

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