Parents always prioritize their children’s safety, making it incredibly distressing when they are unable to protect them in times of need. This family faced an immense tragedy.
Francisco Garate and his son Gabriel were heading to the park to enjoy a game of baseball together. On a Tuesday evening in Long Beach, California, the 7-year-old joined his father for some quality bonding time.
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Tragedy unfolded as they crossed the street at a marked crosswalk.
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“While we were on our way to play, we crossed the street. And then the car just hit him,” a devastated Francisco recounted.
Tragically, Gabriel was struck by a Dodge Pickup truck at the intersection of Lakewood Boulevard and 23rd Street, as the truck failed to heed the crosswalk and pedestrian signal.
Gabriel passed away instantly in his father’s arms.
“I held him, just held him close in my arms. It’s unimaginable to lose your child in such a horrific manner,” expressed Francisco Garate concerning the devastating incident.
The driver, 57-year-old James Barnes from Desert Hot Springs, stated that he did not see the child, leading to the tragic collision.
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“The family is shattered by the unbearable pain of their tragic loss. ‘He was taken away so suddenly,’ lamented his father. His mother, Dawn Garate, added: ‘I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye because someone wasn’t paying attention.’
She fondly reminisced about her young son, describing him as: ‘He was my little boy. He was joyful, intelligent. He had a remarkable personality.’
The family is grappling with the profound loss of their cheerful 7-year-old.
Barnes stayed at the scene until authorities arrived. He was apprehended for gross negligence manslaughter but was later released. Tests for drugs and alcohol did not indicate their involvement in the accident.
The family has established a GoFundMe page to assist with the funeral and related expenses.
Our thoughts are with the Garate family during this trying period. We hope they can find solace.
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