Devastated family members gathered at a home Tuesday evening in Brockton, Massachusetts, to grieve after a fatal car crash earlier in the day.
"He loved only two things," said Osvaldo Caban. "Baseball, and he wanted to join the Army."
Caban's 15-year-old son Isaias was killed on his way home from baseball practice when the car he was riding in crashed into a tree on Summer Street.
"Today's my birthday," said Caban. "I'm heartbroken because I loved my kid."
The driver and another passenger were injured.
All three attended Brockton High School.
"The house shook it was like a boom," said Kathy Foley, who heard the crash outside her home. "And I saw smoke pouring out of the trees. So I grabbed the fire extinguisher, ran across the two yards, just to make sure nothing went up in flames."
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But nothing could be done.
Witnesses said the driver was inconsolable after the crash.
"He kind of just had his head in his hands," said Mariah Rodrigues, who lives across the street from the crash site. "He couldn't believe this was happening. He just kept shaking his head."
By nightfall, friends gathered at the site of the crash to pay tribute to Caban and a small memorial grew. He planned to join the military someday according to his family.
"He really wanted to serve this country," said Caban's father. "He was taken away from me too early. I wish it was me that’s gone, not my son."
The other passenger in the car was a 14-year-old boy. He’s undergoing surgery according to family members after suffering from broken bones and internal bleeding.
There is no word on the driver’s condition or if any charges could be filed.
Brockton Public Schools released a statement following the tragedy:
"The BPS Crisis Management Team has been activated and grief counselors will be available at Brockton High School tomorrow, Wednesday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to noon," Superintendent Kathleen Smith said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those involved and our school community during this very difficult time."
