Santa Clara, CA – A tragic car accident occurred on the evening of Saturday, September 20, 2025, claiming the life of 16-year-old Isaiah Mendoza, a student at Wilcox High School, and injuring two other passengers, as reported by NBC Bay Area. According to the Santa Clara Police Department, the incident happened around 9:35 PM at the junction of Lawrence Expressway and Benton Street. Investigators found that Mendoza was driving a Honda Accord northbound on Lawrence Expressway while a Toyota Camry was also heading in the same direction. When Mendoza’s vehicle neared the intersection, he possibly executed a hazardous turn that led to a collision between the left rear of the Honda and the right front of the Toyota. The collision caused Mendoza’s vehicle to become unmanageable, leading it to collide with a traffic signal pole at the intersection’s corner. Emergency responders swiftly reached the scene and found Mendoza trapped inside the severely wrecked Honda. In spite of their attempts, Mendoza succumbed at the location. Two passengers in the Honda experienced minor injuries and received treatment from first responders before being taken for additional medical attention. The driver of the Toyota, who is also a minor, did not have serious injuries and remained at the scene to assist investigators. Authorities confirmed that Mendoza had just obtained his driver’s license. Relatives portrayed him as a committed student-athlete involved in varsity baseball and soccer at Wilcox High. The probe into the details surrounding the accident is ongoing. Claims for wrongful death are being pursued. The death of a loved one in a car accident is incredibly heartbreaking, and the accompanying financial burden can intensify the grief. Families may face significant hardships due to medical expenses, burial fees, and the loss of income that impacts their ability to care for dependents of the deceased.