Christopher James Rodriguez was the passenger in a 1990 Mazda Miata that crashed around 4:50 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, on Bouquet Canyon Road approximately 2 miles south of Spunky Canyon Road, according to a California Highway Patrol report.
The Miata’s driver, 22-year-old Nicholas Rodriguez of Palmdale, was speeding southbound on Bouquet Canyon Road when he lost control of the vehicle, the CHP report states.
“The vehicle spun in a rotational manner and the right side of the Miata struck a tree bordering the roadway. As a result of the collision, the right front passenger sustained fatal injuries while on scene,” the CHP report states. “Los Angeles County Fire Department pronounced the passenger deceased at approximately 5:25 p.m.”
The driver sustained major injuries and is in critical condition at Antelope Valley Hospital.
The southbound lane of Bouquet Canyon Road was closed for approximately four hours following the collision, according to the CHP.
“The investigation regarding the collision is ongoing, however speed is a factor for the collision,” the CHP report states.
UPDATE: Loved ones have created an online fundraiser to help support the Rodriguez family. To donate to this effort,visit http://www.gofundme.com/j22kcmmw.
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anon says
merry late christmas in heaven christopher; we miss you tons.
Brian says
I ride/drive that canyon often, it is a very nice place and real easy to get in over your head, The family has enough with the loss of one Son, Let this be a wake up to all of us Young and Older, Canyon blasting can cost you everything, We have a fantastic race track out here for all levels(Willow Springs) This accident could be your child or family member, all sorts of people get out of control on empty canyon roads, RIP young man and much sorrow for your family.
Mr B says
I would like to see signs posted on each end of the canyon stating the number of lives lost and accidents during the 5 mile drive people are entering into, to help them understand to slow down. This method is very effective. I have driven the canyon over 1,000 times.
Last week alone there were 3 accidents I rolled up on, and evidence of more.
Next: That canyon has no cell phone service at all, so you cannot call for help so no first aid. How many people die because there was no way to summon help ? We have to drive out of the canyon
to Elizabeth Lake Rd or south to Whites Canyon (maybe Vasquez) to call for help.
We should demand cell coverage for the canyon.
Andrew Valencia says
Chris was one of the brightest people I have ever met in my entire life and its sad to see him go. It feels only like yesterday we were playing Minecraft, building a shed in civil engineering and just being close buddies. He had a great personality and was one of the things I looked forward to every morning which was a smile and a good laugh. I’ve driven on that road with a drivers permit and it is easily one of the most dangerous roads in the Antelope Valley. The worst part of this tragedy was that this was truly avoidable, so take it slow and be safe. May Chris rest in peace and I wish the best of luck to his family.
SX says
Vaya con Dios Amigo.
bgn says
rest in peace Christopher and so sorry for the family brother or no brother the guy he broke the law by speeding pay for it few people need to quit making excuses for how reckless people drive it’s not the road it’s dangerous it’s the people that drive it
Alec says
I didn’t know Christopher as well as others. But for what I did know of him, he was a great, funny, and smart kid. I was pleased to have had the honor to be friends with him. May he rest in peace, and may his family have good fortune.
Gabriel Ramirez says
Chris and I were very good friends… he was a kind and fun person to be around. We would joke and talk about all kinds of things, mainly PC games. It’s a shame that someone so friendly, honest, and hardworking would pass so quickly. The entire gamer community, no, the entire school, mourns your passing.
Goodbye Chris
Guess we never will get that clan started…
Mary says
I could not imagine losing my son. The poor parent/s and extended family members – I know their hearts are broken. May God give them the strength to endure such a loss in their lives. Sadly, teenage drivers do immature things. I don’t wish for the driver to go to jail – I just pray that both families can heal. The young boy who was driving will forever be changed – to me, this is a lifetime punishment. He will forever live with guilt. Going to jail will do nothing for him but change him to be a worse person when he is released because of all the abuse he would endure in prison. Maybe he can go to schools and give speeches about the responsibilities of driving. I don’t think this young boy who lost his life would want his friend in jail. My condolences to the family and all his friends.
pat says
The driver was his brother.
John says
That’s a dangerous road if you’re driving the speed limit. Terrible place to drive faster than what’s considered safe. I know I crashed on that road while driving to fast 30 years ago. lucky to be here today.
RIP
Alek says
As sad as this is to hear, I just have to thank this privilege to being his friend along with others that went to the same school as he did. Rest In Peace Chris.. we’re all going to miss you.
No syphathy says
I hope the kid that drove reckless goes to prison for a long time why don’t you parents teach your kids to never let someone speed with them in the car what a waste another young man dead because of reckless driving
Anon. says
I’m sorry you don’t even know the full story. The driver was the elder brother. It’s already enough this happened, and now you want him to go to jail?
SX says
No sympathy?
Give the kids a break goody two shoes – no lead feet.
You answer to anyone who wishes to live life better than you is to lock them up at the onset of any mistake. Good call.
Alexandria says
Your comment is not only insensitive, but extremely offensive to Nicholas and his family. Regardless of what caused the accident, it happened and now my family is grieving the loss of someone gone too soon. Your comment is full of assumptions and ignorance, because I’m sure you have no relation to either of the brothers. This was an accident, don’t you think the guilt of driving the car is enough for him to deal with? Think about how your words affect those grieving the loss of our sweet Christopher and praying for Nicholas to get well. And if that doesn’t make you think differently of the situation, then f*** off and keep your comments to myself.
Chase says
Can’t leave their name cause he or she is a cowardly P.O.S. who can’t even spell sympathy. What a moronic tool. I’d love to have a few minutes to talk to this person face to face. My question is why YOUR parents raised a little b****.
Mhiller says
I knew Chris. We have the same 4th period last year, and I sat behind him. This year I had a 6th period with him, he sat next to me, and we we’re just talking on Friday about money, and sushis…. This is hard to believe that his not with us anymore. R.I.P man. You’re in a better place now.
Toni says
So sad for everyone involved … how tragic … many prayers and hugs to Ed and family ❤️
nyla says
THIS IS SO SAD MAY HE R.I.P GOD BLESS ALL INVOLVED.