A teenage boy has died, no more than two days after he was struck by a driver while riding an ebike in Encinitas.
According to The Coast News Group, 15-year old Brodee Braxton Champlain-Kingman was riding north on El Camino Real this past Thursday.
He was apparently hit from behind by the driver of a work van, after allegedly changing lanes in front of the van. No time or location was given for the crash.
Champlain-Kingman was hospitalized at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla with major injuries; family members confirmed his death two days later, on Saturday.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Police don’t believe he was under the influence.
However, there’s no word on whether any other witnesses saw the crash, or observed Champlain-Kingman change lanes.
Anyone with information is urged to call the North Coastal Sheriff’s Station Traffic Division at 760/966-3500.
The paper reports a candlelight vigil is scheduled for 7 pm Tuesday at San Dieguito Academy in Encinitas.
Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign to pay Champlain-Kingman’s medical and funeral expenses has raised over $21,000 of the $50,000 goal in just one day.
The crowdfunding page describes the teenager this way,
Brodee Braxton Champlain-Kingman was brought into this world on November 2nd 2007. During his 15 1/2 years, he touched many lives with his grace, compassion, determination and kindness. Anyone that knew Brodee could feel his authentic, heart-forward energy. Brodee was fiercely steadfast in his desire to excel academically, thrive socially and grind for those gains in the gym. Nothing was more striking than Brodee’s natural ability to connect with others and his sincere desire to reflectively grow in his relationships and life pursuits. He lived with grounded humility – always learning, always evolving.
This is at least the 21st bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the second that I’m aware of in San Diego County.
Update: The San Diego Union-Tribune places the time of the crash as around 6 pm Thursday, near Encinitas Blvd.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Brodee Braxton Champlain-Kingman and all his family and loved ones.
