An 11-year-old boy on a skateboard died after colliding with a garbage truck in Vallejo, California. An 8-year-old on the back of the skateboard suffered serious injuries.
The accident happened at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Friday. 11-year-old Joseph Tafoya III was on the front of the skateboard and 8-year-old Clayo Young was on the back of the skateboard. According to Vallejo Police Lt. Lee Horton, the boys were heading downhill on Chapman Court when they collided with a garbage truck, owned by Recology Vallejo, that was westbound on Linfield Dr. The accident happened as the skateboarders and the garbage truck were passing through the intersection at the same time. Neither could stop.
The 11-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. The 8-year-old was airlifted to Oakland's Children's Hospital, where he is listed in serious condition. The garbage truck driver was taken to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.
Recology representatives declined to comment on the details of the incident, citing the ongoing investigation. Company spokesman Adam Alberti released this statement: "… (we) can assure you that we are assisting the authorities in every way possible to aid their investigation of the tragic accident. The company is deeply remorseful for the accident and extends its deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this most unfortunate event."