A GoFundMe fundraiser has been started for the family of Santa Monica High freshman Leo Castillo who was killed Sunday night in a tragic accident.
The 16-year-old died at a hospital of injuries he suffered about 9 pm Sunday at 26th Street and Olympic Boulevard. Police say Castillo was on a motorized scooter when he went through a red light and into incoming traffic where he was struck and killed.
The fundraiser was started by Samohi student Elena Chico who said she didn’t know Castillo personally, but said from what she had heard, he always had a smile on in his face and could brighten any room he entered.
“His friends and teachers will forever miss his outgoing personality,” Chico said on the fundraiser page. “It was brought to my attention that there was not a GoFundMe account for his funeral services and although we are having donations brought to the school offices it is very tough to raise $15,000 within a week and I thought this account would also be very helpful for his family as well. My heart goes out to Leo’s family and friends, and there are no words that can describe the pain they are going through. I hope we as a community can come together and raise the money that is needed for a fellow student. Anything will help, thank you! RIP Leo Castillo.”
To donate to the fundraiser, visit http://www.gofundme.com/leocastillofuneral.
