Santa Clarita Teens Hold Skate Park Memorial For Friend

Posted by: KHTS FM 98.1 & AM 1220 in Santa Clarita News February 1, 2014 - 2:36 pm 0 499 Views

A group of Santa Clarita teenagers organized a memorial meant to help their friend’s family at the Santa Clarita Skate Park on Saturday.

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Albert Castro, 18, died after he was struck by a vehicle while riding his skateboard Tuesday, Jan. 14 near Valencia Boulevard and The Old Road in Valencia.

Castro had been skateboarding with a group of friends, including Henry Mejia, who said Castro skated in front of the group and into the intersection where the light had just turned yellow and a car making a left struck Castro.

“Just five minutes before we were making a video, having fun,” Mejia said. “I see things differently now.”

Related article: Pedestrian Killed In Valencia Crash Identified By Coroner

In addition to being more cautious while riding these days, Mejia said he wanted to help Castro’s family and memorialize his friend.

The Bowman High School student teamed up with other students from West Ranch High School to organize a memorial that featured food trucks, t-shirts and raffles.

Cody Le, also of Bowman, helped organize the event by asking various skate companies if they would be willing to donate their time and merchandise.

“I took it to heart because he was a good friend, I felt like I had to do something for him,” Le said.

Diamond Supply Co. Creator and Designer Nicky Diamond and Co-Owner Sean Apgar made an appearance at the memorial, as well as The Hundreds Skateboarding Team Manager Mike Franklin, and companies Val Surf and Active Ride Shop.

“The sad part is over now, all we can do is focus on his legacy,” Le said. “We take this as a good ending rather than sad, we can’t believe the turnout for him.”

Throughout the day friends, peers and Castro’s teachers skated and talked about Castro’s life. Proceeds from the memorial will be donated to his family.

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