Heartbreaking news from National City, where a teenaged boy died two days after he was struck by a driver while riding his bike.
And just one day after his 18th birthday.
Edgar Burciaga was riding his bike to school Tuesday morning when he was severely injured in a collision at J Ave and East 18th Street in National City.
Unfortunately, there’s no word on how or when the crash occurred. His mother was informed by police around 10 am on the morning of the crash.
His family gathered around Edgar’s bed on Wednesday to celebrate his birthday — a day after he was rushed into surgery, and one day before he was declared brain dead.
They gathered again yesterday to celebrate Edgar’s high school graduation, before his body was wheeled into an operating room to donate his organs.
This is how San Diego’s NBC-7 describes it.
His family said Edgar was bigger than life and he always had a heart for others.
“That’s why his father and I decided he was the perfect candidate to donate his organs to those who are in a critical health condition,” she said.
Edgar was a son, brother, and a senior at Sweetwater High School in National City. He was expected to graduate next week.
“I feel very proud of him, his life, and everything that he was,” said Rutilio de Haro, Edgar’s father.
There will be an empty seat at his high school graduation, but others will go home to their families thanks to his family’s generosity.
The driver remained at the scene; there’s no word on whether they were charged or ticketed.
This is at least the 20th bicycling fatality in Southern California this year, and the fifth that I’m aware of in San Diego County.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for Edgar Burciaga and all his loved ones.
