Crime & Safety
Campbell Teen Killed In Car Crash
The Westmont High School baseball star was prepared to attend the University of the Pacific to play baseball after graduation.
CAMPBELL, CA -- A 17-year-old boy died in a car crash in Campbell on Tuesday evening, police and the Santa Clara County medical examiner's office confirmed.
Kirk Vasquez was a student and baseball player at Westmont High School. He had committed to the University of the Pacific to play baseball after graduation, and had a bright future ahead of him, friends and loved ones said on social media.
At about 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to the area of northbound San Tomas Expressway between Winchester Boulevard and Budd Avenue to a report of a vehicle crashed into a tree.
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Vasquez was the only occupant of the car and was extricated by Santa Clara County firefighters. He was rushed to a hospital for surgery but died that night, police Capt. Gary Berg said.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but Berg said it may have been a result of rainy conditions and the speed of the vehicle.
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No one else was injured.
The California Bulldogs, Vasquez's club baseball team, said on Twitter that Vasquez would be missed dearly.
"He was a great kid that touched many hearts," the team wrote. It also retired his jersey, No. 8, and started a campaign to "#playfor8." Others who coached or played with Vasquez said he was a great competitor, and a bright and funny teammate.
The Campbell Union High School District said the community is deeply saddened by his death.
"As our community grieves for the loss of a young life, our thoughts remain with the family, friends, students, staff and others impacted by this event," school district officials said in a statement.
A GoFundMe account was established at
