Chunky Sanchez Mourns Son's Death

San Diegans will gather this week to remember the son of the Singer of the Barrio.

Fernando Julio Sanchez, the youngest son of popular musician Ramon "Chunky" Sanchez, was killed when a vehicle crossed Highway 138 near Gorman and struck a fire truck head on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Sanchez, 25, was riding the fire truck as part of an inmate firefighting crew, according to one published report.

Chunky Sanchez' considers himself a "barrio-ologist." A lifelong resident of San Diego, Chunky Sanchez wrote the song "Chicano Park Samba" for the area under the San Diego Bay Bridge that was designated a park in 1970.

He's popular throughout San Diego for his visits to so many local schools. 

According to Fernando Sanchez' aunt, the 25-year old was a sophomore on the Mission Bay High School varsity football team that went undefeated to the CIF Championships in 2000.

A public viewing is scheduled for Wednesday from 3 to 9 p.m. at California Burial Chapel, 2200 Highland Avenue, National City, 91950.  A memorial is planned at the same location Thursday at 11 a.m. The burial will take place at 1 p.m. at Holy Cross Cemetery on Hilltop Drive.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fernandoโ€™s name at any Wells Fargo Bank using the account name and number below:

Ramon Sanchez for F. Sanchez
c/o Wells Fargo Bank
Account number: 6020348840
Routing number: 122000247

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