Orange County Register: Boy on bicycle killed in Huntington Beach crash - The 14-year-old was riding alongside a friend when he was struck.

The memories of a Yellowstone family vacation less than two weeks ago were still fresh in his relatives’ minds – playing horseshoes, whitewater rafting, riding canoes. The 14-year-old had just finished a junior lifeguard program, spending the summer at the beach learning lifesaving and other skills. Now, the start of eighth grade was around the corner, and on Wednesday afternoon, under a blazing Southern California sun, Danny jumped on his bike and rode alongside a friend to Sowers Middle School about half a mile from home.

He never made it to pick up his schedule and get a locker. A pickup struck him about 2:10 p.m., tossing the boy about 100 feet, police said. He died shortly after the impact. By 8 p.m., more than 100 classmates, friends and neighbors had gathered for a candlelight vigil near the site of the accident, the northeast corner of Indianapolis Avenue and Everglades Lane, his uncle said.

“He was real nice kid,” said Mike Rowan of Fountain Valley on Wednesday evening, shortly after leaving the Huntington Beach house of his sister and brother-in-law, both of whom were devastated by the death of their eldest of three children. There was “not a mean bone in his body, and he was someone that everyone looked up to and loved,” Rowan continued. “He’s a son to me almost.” The beloved soccer player, who played fullback and forward on his team, was the kind of child who was not afraid to show his affection for his elders, said his uncle. Rowan remembers well the hugs Danny gave him.

“He was just looking forward, as much as a teenager looks forward to, going back to school,” he said. “We were teasing him about losing his mullet.” Rowan said, with a laugh about his nephew’s recent haircut. Police said that a Ford F-150 driven by a 20-year-old Huntington Beach man swerved across traffic lanes and into oncoming traffic, striking the bicyclist.

After hitting Danny, the truck traveled 25-30 feet, jumped the curb, hit a palm tree and plowed through a cinderblock wall of a home, police said. The pickup ended up about 25 feet inside the backyard of the home near the crash scene, police said. The driver was trapped inside and freed by neighbors and officers, Huntington Beach police Lt. Dave Bunetta said. Police did not immediately release his identity.

“We’re still trying to figure out what we have,” Bunetta said. “At this point, there’s no indication of alcohol or drugs.” Police will await a toxicology report, which could take six to eight weeks. The driver was taken to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana with unknown injuries, Bunetta said. He was reported to be stable and was being evaluated for internal injuries, police said.

The boys had on helmets and were in the bike lane riding westbound on Indianapolis Avenue, police said. The pickup was traveling eastbound on the street and as it approached the intersection at Everglades, police said. Police are still trying to piece together why the truck swerved.

The driver is not in custody, Bunetta said. “We’ll conduct and investigation into the cause, and ultimately, the matter will be reviewed by the District Attorney’s Office,” he said. The boys were riding close to each other when the victim was struck in the intersection. The other boy, also 14, was not hit or injured. “How the other child didn’t get hit we’re still not sure,” Bunetta said. “He’s lucky. Absolutely.”

Contact the writer: 949-465-5424 or vjolly@ocregister.com

Reader’s comments

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Really sad, consecuences of the judgement of a 20 year old in a big F-150. We are lucky we do not hear 2 or 3 stories like this everyday. We all have seen those young guys drive, I bet they all are nice and respectable and they do not even drink, but they are still 20 years old

Rick - Aug 31, 2007 09:23:15 PM

To the parents and family, Please remember that God walks into his garden every morning and picks a bouqeut of flowers, and each flower is different than the previous. That day, God decided to pick Danny as one of the flowers to complete his bouqeut. We must remember that all of our loved ones are just on loan to us from God. Danny was called to go home that day. I hope that somehow these words may bring comfort to you.

Savanna Ishtar - Aug 31, 2007 06:20:52 PM

Sad story. Very sad to me because I knew this boy. I was shocked to hear what had happened when i found out. I cryed and cryed. He was very sweet and was very kind to me when I met him. I’m sad this had to happen to him.

anonymous - Aug 31, 2007 06:10:03 PM

Can you possibly think that a conscious decision was made to cause all this grief and suffering? You comment shows the level of your intelligence, or lack thereof.

a neighbor - Aug 31, 2007 04:32:55 PM

Sad story. I wonder how it happened. I wonder if we’ll ever know. My condolences to family.

36 yr old cyclist - Aug 31, 2007 10:46:06 AM

To Paul and Christy,the Rowans,the Grandparents, Morry and Don. I always admired Danny. A big handson kid. My son always asked if Danny and Troy would be there when we went camping or to vist mutual friends. My son liked Danny. Most Danny’s cousins and friends were smaller than him. He was always helpful and friendly to all of them encluding my son. A real nice boy. My heart goes out to you and the many families that know Danny.

Chris Batchelor - Aug 31, 2007 10:31:54 AM

My cousin was very good friends with danny,I met him before, and seen him around campus, We all make mistakes,and its hard to understand that a mistake like this can never be fixed. We should all give as much respect to Danny’s family. Everyone who knew him at Sowers will all miss him, and he will be in our hearts forever.

Sowers student - Aug 31, 2007 09:33:41 AM

I dont know this kid or his family but my heart is just broken for them. My prayers go out to them.

Eric - Aug 31, 2007 08:16:15 AM

i know the driver very well and know of danny and they are both amazing boys and their families deserve everyone to stop spreading things and just keep them all in your prayers this was a tragic accident and both families are having to deal with it so it would probably help if people just stop and pray. talking bad about anyone and saying they have to pay is not going to turn back time or make this situation any better. god is a very forgiving man and he does not like when people talk bad about others. my heart goes out to both families and my god bless them

hb girl - Aug 31, 2007 01:19:34 AM

Words cannot express the loss of a loved one, especially one so young and so vibrant. Danny has been in my life since birth, and will remain in my thoughts forever. My deepest condolences to Kristi and Paul and Danny’s brother and sister. I will miss Danny immensely.

Ken - Aug 31, 2007 12:09:23 AM

I am a friend of one of the members of the driver’s family. They are kind, respectable people who deserve our deepest sympathies. They have always supported those in need and the driver is a nice boy who does not deserve to be hated or disliked. It is not only a difficult time for the Oates family, but the other family involved as well. I hope that everyone realizes that they too are suffering greatly from this tragedy, and our prayers for everyone involved will be the only way to be supportive at this tragic time.

anonymous - Aug 30, 2007 10:51:24 PM

My heart is broken for both families involved in this tragedy. Blessings and Hugs all the way around.

Michelle - Aug 30, 2007 09:02:34 PM

We moved out of state last year because we lived on that busy street. We tried for more stop signs, etc. and was told that until something happened nothing would be done. Well, I guess now they can do something. Danny, I remember you so well at Hawes in my sons class. You were always so polite and a great example to all the kids around you. And that beautiful hair. I would always walk up too you and tousel your hair and kid you about getting a hair cut. I will cherish those memories. And to your family, saying I’m so sorry for your lost hardly seems enough. I’ll pray for you and know that someday you’ll be reunited with Danny. God Bless You. Ex HB mom

Ex Huntington Beach mom - Aug 30, 2007 06:22:30 PM

please try not to believe everything you see or hear about this accident. the reasoning behind this tragic event has still yet to be unveiled. both the boy who was hit and the boy driving are good, respectable members of our community. both families shall be in our thoughts and prayers. they need all the support that they can get.

HB neighbor - Aug 30, 2007 06:08:31 PM

I felt absolutely heartbroken when I heard about this tragic accident. I have a 16 year old boy who bikes around HB with his best friend and I worry about him all the time. My prayers are with Danny’s family and friends. We just never know. Life is precious. May God comfort all concerned and bless Danny always.

Norrette - Aug 30, 2007 05:26:13 PM

I new Danny Oates and he was a really cool kid. I went to sowers last year and i did gaurds with Danny. I can’t beleive this happened to him. My deepest sympathy goes out to his family. He is with God now so he is in a good place. We will definetly miss him.

moo moo - Aug 30, 2007 05:18:55 PM

My deepest sympathy to this family. I lost one of my family members the same way 1 year ago. He was 13 years old and he was also wearing a helmet. It is so hard to understand how a young soul full of life was taking away from their loved ones. I drive around in my neighborhood looking for kids in skateboards, bikes, running, playing, probably because I am a mom of a young boy and one day my child will be the one out there just being a kid. Unfortunaly there are other ones that aren’t that careful for whatever reasons and they don’t realize that a careless second could ruin many lives. Our family would never be the same without Jason and this family either without their son. Please be a RESPONSIBLE DRIVER

I am felling your pain - Aug 30, 2007 03:52:51 PM

On behalf of the CFC soccer family, we extend our deepest sympathy to the Oates family. Our team is heart broken and we extend our prayers and thoughts to your family during this very tragic time. As a show of respect for your family and son we will honor your wonderful son by pausing in a moment of silence before each and every game this season.

Coach Steve-CFC Extreme - Aug 30, 2007 03:40:19 PMPaul and Kristy, I cannot immagine the immense sorrow and sense of loss you must feel in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Danny, but will never forget how much love and affection he radiated when interacting and caring after his baby sister. I remember that he was big and strong for his age, and to watch how delicate and gentle he was when he took care of his baby sister was heartwarming. It took just one look to know how much he loved her. He will always love you now and forever. I have no doubt he will be keeping an eye on all of you, from within heaven’s gate.

Old Friend - Aug 30, 2007 02:31:16 PM

I am so sad for the family of Danny Oates. Losing a child is every parent’s worst nightmare. I hope they have the strength to go forward with their lives. I think there should be tougher penalties for speeding and reckless driving. Perhaps speed bumps or other barriers should be installed in residential areas, especially near schools.

Claire - Aug 30, 2007 01:58:02 PM

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