Thousands gather at El Monte High to remember Adrian Castro

Calvin Aceves, who survived the crash, told thousands gathered at El Monte that he sat in front of Castro on the bus last Thursday. Castro, an El Monte High School football player and oldest of three boys, let Aceves lean his seat back then plugged in speakers to his phone so the people around him could listen to music. “He passed away trying to help others,” Aceves was consoled by Coach Joel Sanchez as he broke down in tears. –Photo by Terry Miller

Thousands gather at El Monte High to remember Adrian Castro

By Dena Burroughs

Thousands of people gathered at the El Monte High School (EMHS) quad Monday night to celebrate the life of Adrian Castro, one of ten people who died last Thursday when a charter bus collided with a Fedex truck near Orland, CA.

Adrian was a popular 18-year-old, part of the Lions football squad and remembered for his always pleasant demeanor. He was on his way to Humboldt State University, a school he was considering to attend next year because he was interested in a career in kinesiology.

The EMHS Cheerleaders cancelled their try-out practice to attend the vigil, which was also attended by those who are most often seen as rivals but this night were instead supporters – football players from every high school in the City. Also present were his family members, various City officials, Mayor Andre Quintero, and even a young man who had only met him on the charter bus the day of the accident.

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Judee, whose daughter Krystal is a freshman at EMHS, attended the event. “Just [seeing] the people that showed up told of what a great guy he was,” she said. “Teachers and coaches spoke highly of him. His friends said Adrian was always laughing or smiling. He got along with everyone.”

Adrian has touched the hearts of all El Monteans, whether they knew him personally or not. There’s a communal feeling of support towards the Castro family, and at EMHS a sense of additional brotherhood towards Adrian’s father, Raul Castro, whom others called “Red” back in 1988 when he attended the same school.

A large banner was hung from the high school’s fence over the weekend, where teammates and residents have been leaving notes and good byes, like Isaiah’s, which reads: “Rest in peace Adrian. You were a good friend and even though it’s only been a day I miss you already. See you soon my boy.”

Assemblymember Roger Hernandez released the following statement regarding the crash that killed 10 people last Thursday:

“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families for those students and staff members who lost their lives in last night’s Northern California crash. I am saddened to hear of such an unfortunate incident occurring during an exciting time when students and their families are finalizing their decisions on where to attend school in the fall.

The El Monte community suffered a tremendous loss in a time of joy for many students who have yet to decide their future. I want to thank the California Highway Patrol, the Orland Rural Fire District and countless public safety personnel for their dedication and assistance they provided at the scene.

I also want to thank El Monte Union High School District Board of Education, Superintendent and staff for their compassionate leadership during this time.”

A funeral fund has been set up to benefit the family. If you wish to give, visit YouCaring.com and write “Adrian Castro” in the Search Fundraisers box.

Photos by Terry Miller

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