A Richmond teenager was killed Sunday night in a crash involving a suspected drunk driver, according to police.
The teen, identified by the coroner's office as 16-year-old Ricardo Funes, was driving in the area of Ohio Avenue and South 20th Street when they were hit by another driver suspected of being impaired, police said.
"The impaired driver's decision to drive drunk robbed a family of their child," police said in a post on Facebook. "When you choose to drive under the influence, you’re not just risking your own life—you’re endangering everyone on the road. Alcohol impairs your judgment, slows your reaction time, and reduces your ability to make safe decisions. A single moment of poor judgment can lead to devastating consequences."
Funes' family spoke to NBC Bay Area on Tuesday as they mourned his death.
He was the sweetest boy. He was so sweet, he was so smart,” Sonia Barajas, the victim’s aunt said.
Barajas said her family is heartbroken. She said Funes and his family had gathered at his aunt’s house to watch the Copa America final game and eat tacos.
”He was just parked here, right in front of the driveway,” she said.
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But as he was pulling out to drive home when the crash happened.
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“It was a big loud like an explosion loud, it was loud,” said Claudia Barajas, the victim’s aunt. “The moment he was pulling out a car going out, an unbelievable speed blazed through the stop sign and hit him.”
Funes’ family ran out to find him trapped in the car with metal and glass everywhere.
“We just ran to Rick’s car. He wasn’t responding to me and I just kept saying Ricky stay awake. The ambulance is coming to help you stay awake stay awake,” Claudia Barajas said.
Funes died at the scene, the driver of the other car suffered minor injuries and now faces manslaughter and DUI charges.
The suspect is a 30-year-old Richmond man. Police believe he was driving under the influence of alcohol and was booked under that charge.
What’s left of Funes’ beloved first car is now on display along with his photos in his family’s driveway.
“I know he loved that car that he was in in the accident. He loved that car,” Sonia Barajas said.
Funes was about to start his junior year at Richmond’s Leadership Public School. But now, his family is preparing for his funeral.
