Authorities have identified the father and son who were killed in a collision involving a Riverside County fire engine last week in Hemet.
The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Bureau confirmed Monday that the victims were 43-year-old Arthur Fernandez Jr. and his 10-year-old son, Arthur Fernandez, both residents of San Jacinto.
The fatal crash occurred shortly after noon Friday at the intersection of Domenigoni Parkway and State Street.
According to Cal Fire Capt. John Clingingsmith, a county fire crew was responding to a vegetation fire along Highway 74 near the western boundary of the San Bernardino National Forest when the collision happened.
Investigators said the fire engine was traveling north on State Street with its emergency lights and siren activated. At the same time, Fernandez was driving a Mini Cooper westbound on Gibbel Road, which transitions into Domenigoni Parkway at the intersection. Two children were riding in the vehicle with him.
Fernandez was pronounced dead at the scene. Both children were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Authorities later confirmed that the 10-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries. Information regarding the condition of the second juvenile passenger has not been released.
A fundraising campaign established for the family indicated that Fernandez was also the father of a 5-year-old son. It has not been confirmed whether that child was the other passenger involved in the crash.
“Arthur was an extraordinary father,” organizers wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Everything he did, every single day, was for his children. He poured his heart and soul into being the best dad possible, leaving behind a beautiful five-year-old son who will now grow up without his father and big brother.”
The fundraiser also described the family’s grief following the sudden loss and noted that loved ones are facing unexpected funeral and burial expenses.
By Monday afternoon, donations had climbed to nearly $9,000.
Three firefighters who were aboard the county engine also suffered injuries in the crash. Officials said their injuries were not considered life-threatening. They were transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar for evaluation and treatment and were later released.
Emergency personnel from the Hemet Fire Department, Hemet Police Department, California Highway Patrol and additional Riverside County fire units responded to the scene. The busy intersection remained closed for several hours as investigators worked to document evidence and clear the roadway.
Authorities said there is currently no indication that alcohol or drugs played a role in the collision.
The California Highway Patrol’s San Gorgonio Pass Area office is leading the investigation. Anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident is encouraged to contact CHP investigators at 951-846-5300.
Source: City News Service
