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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — A vigil was held Saturday evening at Imperial Beach Skate Park for Ryder Shoup, the 16-year-old killed Wednesday in a wrong-way crash on Interstate 5.
Shoup was loved by many in the community. He was a sophomore at Mar Vista High School, an avid skateboarder, and a new father.
Candles, flowers, and pictures lined the fence at the skate park as dozens gathered to honor the teen.
“He’s just loved by so many,” said Ashley Shoup, Ryder’s mom.
She said his skateboarding friends organized the event, and the family was overwhelmed with gratitude when they saw the sheer amount of people who showed up to honor their son.
“This is really nice. It’s been very hard, but seeing everybody come together like this is just great.”
According to California Highway Patrol, a 67-year-old San Diego woman was believed to be driving a Honda Civic in the wrong direction on the freeway at speeds between 80 and 90 miles per hour overnight on Wednesday, April 10.
Authorities said the Honda crashed into a Dodge Challenger that was being driven by 16-year-old Shoup. Both drivers died from their injuries.
“He was just so sweet, always had a smile on his face, was a complete diamond in the rough. The boy was really, really a good kid,” said Marie Krecha, Shoup’s 8th grade teacher.
The teen’s little sisters showed the posters they made for him with one that read, “You were the best big brother ever Ryder.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to support Shoup’s 4-month-old son and funeral arrangements. The fundraiser has already surpassed its goal of $50,000.
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