The California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation
into an accident on Pacheco Pass Highway that killed a
five-year-old boy Saturday.
The California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation into an accident on Pacheco Pass Highway that killed a five-year-old boy Saturday.
Chance Pullen, 5, of Fresno was taken from the scene of the accident on Highway 152 west of Dinosaur Point to San Jose Medical Center where he was pronounced dead due to multiple blunt force injuries, the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office said.
Chance’s 8-year-old sister, whose name was not released because of her age, was also injured in the crash and taken to San Jose Medical Center where she was treated for moderate injuries, the CHP said.
The 8 a.m. accident happened when Marc Mendez, 31, of Fresno was westbound on Highway 152 in a 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix at about 65 mph, the CHP said.
For an unknown reason, Mendez drove off of the paved highway and struck a guard rail and his car careened into a tree. Mendez and adult passenger, Brande Pullen, 29, of Fresno, who were both wearing their seat belts, sustained a few minor injuries, the CHP said.
However, Chance and his sister, who were not wearing seat belts or restrained in a child safety seat, were hurt in the crash.
State law requires that children under 6 years of age or under 60 pounds in weight be restrained in a child safety seat.
“This is a truly tragic accident, if only because the child’s death was preventable,” said Capt. Bob Davies, commander of the Hollister-Gilroy CHP unit.
“I just wish they had complied with the child restraint laws. If they did, there is every indication that child would be with us today,” Davies said.
Investigators said the Grand Prix’s passenger compartment was intact and anyone who was properly restrained would probably have escaped the accident with only a few minor injuries.
No charges have been filed against Mendez or Pullen. However, the CHP said depending on the outcome of the investigation, the couple could be cited or charged.
