SAN JOSE – A San Jose fireplace captain is navigating a brand new actuality after shedding all three of his kids in a site visitors collision Sunday close to Hollister.
Capt. Steve Biakanja’s twin 14-year-old daughters Leigh and Lucy and 12-year-old son Ben have been killed within the crash, in line with a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by San Jose Fireplace Station 16. The collision additionally claimed the lifetime of his ex-wife, Lisa Biakanja.
“Within the wake of nice tragedy, San Jose Fireplace Station 16 is asking in your help to boost funds for Captain Steve Biakanja as he navigates a brand new actuality following the current deaths of all three of his kids in a horrible auto accident,” the GoFundMe web page mentioned.
“Along with your assist, we will do our greatest to ease the burden of this tragedy and to honor the reminiscence of his beloved kids.”
The funds will likely be used to cowl the kids’s funeral prices, in addition to counseling, meals and different types of help for Biakanja and his spouse, Thuan, in line with the web page.
The collision occurred at 8:05 p.m. Sunday on State Route 156 west of Fairview Highway, in line with the California Freeway Patrol. In an announcement, the CHP mentioned a 2014 Tesla was touring eastbound on the freeway when it crossed over the stable double yellow traces and crashed right into a 2015 Freightliner touring in the other way.
The 4 occupants of the Tesla – recognized as residents of Carmel Valley – suffered deadly accidents, in line with the CHP.
The CHP mentioned the motive force of the tractor-trailer, recognized as a 39-year-old Madera man, was taken to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital in Hollister with minor accidents.
An investigation is underway into the crash, and it was not instantly identified if medication or alcohol performed a job, the CHP mentioned.
In keeping with the GoFundMe web page, Leigh was a Sea Cadet who loved studying about science and enjoying softball. Lucy cherished animals and raised chickens and doves as a interest. Ben left behind a set of World Struggle II memorabilia, an “avid curiosity of his.”
As of 9 p.m. Thursday, the fundraiser had raised roughly $150,000 of its $200,000 aim.
Anybody who witnessed the site visitors collision can contact Officer N. Stewart at 408-848-2324.
Verify again for updates.