Imperial Beach business holds fundraiser for family of teen killed in wrong-way crash

IMPERIAL BEACH, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Mango Mania Frutas & More opened about 3 weeks ago on 13th Street in Imperial Beach. On Sunday, the business held a fundraiser to support Ryder Shoup’s family.

“Everybody knew him. He was really popular. If you said ‘oh yeah Ryder,’ everybody knew who you were talking about. He always had a big smile on his face, he was just overall such a happy and positive person,” said Arian Cerda, co-owner of Mango Mania Frutas & More.

16-year-old Shoup was killed in a wrong–way crash on I-5 on Wednesday.

He was a sophomore at Mar Vista High School and also a new father to 4-month-old Marcelo. “Because I grew up with him and because we were pretty close when we were little, it honestly hit me kind of hard,” said Cerda.

She met Shoup in kindergarten. Cerda says she was devastated and could only imagine what the family was going through. “I knew that I wanted to help them in whatever means possible,” she said.

On Sunday, to honor Shoup and his family, the business donated 25% of its proceeds to the family.

The fundraiser brought James Zabel to the shop. “There’s nothing worse that can happen than a parent losing a child,” said Zabel. “We saw all the proceeds were going to the family. We knew them through some extended connections, but if anything can help them out, that’s why we’re here.”

A steady stream of people came through Mango Mania on Sunday to show their support with a purchase or by simply making a donation. “We have a lot of orders which is honestly really great,” said Cerda. “We’re so glad that the community has come together to help Ryder and his family during this really difficult time.”

Mango Mania is open and accepting donations until 8 p.m. Sunday.