My son died on August 9, 2008 in a motor scooter crash just one block from our house. His friend, whom he liked a lot, came over on his scooter early on that Saturday morning to the house. We were all home—my husband and my other two children ages four and six. I was cooking and my husband was outside in the yard with them fixing a bicycle. About 2:30 p.m., my son’s friend told Kevin he was leaving. My husband told Kevin, “Don’t get on the scooter, Kevin.” When my husband stopped what he was doing to get him off the motor scooter, they drove off. My son’s friend didn’t stop at the stop sign at the intersection and they crashed into a white Acura. Being thrown from the scooter, my son hit his head and crushed his torso, dying instantly. He was only 13 years old. He never made it to the hospital. His friend survived.

It is a very painful loss. One feels a great emptiness inside. His two brothers miss him very much and we can’t overcome the loss of my dear son Kevin Yhair Carrillo.

Now when my children ride bicycles I require that they wear helmets. I would ask parents that they be more careful and protective of their children. Teenage years can be difficult, but at the same time, this loss is irreplaceable. Kevin will always live in our hearts and in our minds.