Friends, Family Raise Memorial Funds For 22-Year-Old Oakley Man

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Friends and family of Andres Hernandez, 22, who died in a recent wrong-way crash on state Highway 4, are reaching out to the community for help with memorial funds.

Around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Hernandez, an Oakley resident, was driving his blue Scion TC coupe westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 4 near Lone Tree Way, the California Highway Patrol said.

At the same time, 35-year-old Christopher Cannedy was driving a black Mazda 3 sedan eastbound in the eastbound lanes and the two drivers collided head-on, according to the CHP.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities were released Monday by the Contra Costa County Coroner's Office.

"The sudden loss of Andres has been a shock, and we are in need of financial assistance to arrange a proper funeral," Hernandez friends and family wrote on a GoFundMe campaign page set up in his memory. "We want to ensure Andres receives the farewell he deserves, but we cannot do it alone. Your contribution will go directly towards covering his funeral, and the remaining funds will be used to assist the Hernandez family with other related expenses during this challenging time."

Hernandez was described as "an incredible person who had a humongous heart," who "always knew how to make everyone laugh and lit up any room he was in."

"Andres was dearly loved by his friends, family, and community. Today, we are asking for your help and support as we navigate this difficult time."

As of Tuesday afternoon, more than $5,200 in donations were made to the campaign which has a goal of $20,000.

View the campaign page.

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