Family and friends of a toddler struck and killed by a city water truck consoled each other outside the hospital doors.
There were hugs and tears for Santiago, the little boy who they only got to enjoy for a year.
Grandfather Mario Preciado said the one-year-old boy was always laughing and running around, “doing his thing,” he said. “That’s the way I’m going to remember him.”
Santiago Montes and his four-year-old brother were playing outside a discount store near 32nd and National Avenue Thursday while their grandmother was working inside.
San Diego police said the toddler darted out into the street between two parked cars.
A city water truck driver could not stop in time and struck the child.
“At first we thought he wasn't breathing because he wasn't moving at all, until he started twitching and everyone started crying,” said Mary Barron who witnessed the incident.
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Santiago was rushed to Rady Children's Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Officers say there were four workers in the vehicle. The woman driving was so distraught she had to be assisted by SDPD crisis managers.
Investigators did not cite the driver at the scene. They say the investigation is ongoing although it appears to be an accident.
The victim’s grandfather said the woman bears no fault in the incident.
“There's no one to blame or point fingers to. It was an accident. She's hurting the same way we're hurting,” he said.
However there was one message he wanted to send to other families.
“Enjoy your kids as much as you can. Hold 'em, hug 'em, kiss 'em,” Preciado said.
