San Diego

YouTuber's Family β€˜Devastated,' Offers Condolences to Victims

Trevor Heitmann was driving in excess of 100 mph, and the impact of the crash with an SUV caused the SUV to explode

The family of the famous YouTuber who caused a deadly, fiery crash on Interstate 805 on Thursday expressed condolences Saturday to the victims' family.

Trevor Heitmann's family said they are devastated over the loss in a statement released to NBC 7 San Diego by the family's attorney.

"Our family is devastated over the tragic loss of our beloved Trevor Heitmann," the statement reads. "We express our deepest condolences to the Pizarro family and anyone impacted by this incident."

Heitmann's was driving a McLaren the wrong way on I-805 HOV lane Thursday near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar during evening rush-hour commute and slammed into an SUV driven by Aileen Pizarro, 43.

He was driving in excess of 100 mph, the California Highway Patrol said. The impact of the crash caused Pizarro's vehicle to explode and become engulfed in flames, killing her and her daughter, 12-year-old Aryana.

Heitmann, 18, was also killed in the crash. He was a YouTube star who goes by the name of McSkillet. He became known for trading "skins" or moderations that alter the appearance of characters for the first-person-shooter video game, "Counter Strike: Global Offensive."

"That car in front of me swerved, slammed and exploded within a fraction of second β€” all I could do was hold on to my steering wheel and run over everything that exploded," witness Hector Puga said.

CHP investigators believe Heitmann got onto the northbound I-805 HOV lane from the Carrol Canyon Road direct access ramp going southbound before colliding with the Hyundai near Governor Drive.

The son and brother of the two victims, Dominic Pizarro, said his mother was a family therapist who most recently worked with abused children.

"I really am devastated that one person's actions could take my family away from me," he said.

Dominic said he can't find it in his heart to blame Heitmann for the damage he caused and instead will try to remember what his mother would want him to do.

"He was not in his right frame of mind and that was the reason he found himself going the wrong way on the highway," he said. "My prayers and thoughts are for his soul and his family as well."

Prior to the crash, San Diego police responded to an incident at Ashley Falls Elementary School in Carmel Valley where Heitmann's McLaren crashed through a gate on the campus. He left the scene before officers arrived.

Investigators still don't know the motive behind the incident at the elementary school or Heitmann's decision to enter I-805 against traffic.

"We want to thank the first responders for their valiant efforts and dedication," the Heitmann family's statement reads. "We are piecing together the facts and circumstances that lead to this incomprehensible tragedy. We thank the community in advance for privacy and respect during this difficult time."

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