The Escondido community is reeling from a tragic hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy, Aiden Torres, who was struck by an unidentified driver while playing outside his apartment complex on East Washington Avenue. Torres suffered severe injuries, including a collapsed lung, broken ribs, and a spinal fracture, and passed away at Rady Children’s Hospital, despite the efforts to save him, according to information provided by FOX5 San Diego.
In the wake of the tragedy, the Torres family is experiencing profound grief, with Aiden's upcoming 12th birthday in December marking a poignant reminder of their loss. During the Thanksgiving holiday, the family mourned together. The brutal reality of his absence deepened the pain, as his aunt Arianna Tapia expressed her devastation, telling FOX5 San Diego, “I’m angry, I’m upset. It’s a holiday. He was 11 years old. No one should be treated like that.”
The Escondido Police Department is actively searching for the driver and encourages anyone with information or surveillance footage to come forward. Officer Paul Smyth can be contacted directly at 760-839-4423, as indicated by the Escondido Police Department. Complicating the search efforts is the lack of a vehicle description due to conflicting witness accounts as reported by Hoodline, with the investigation relying partly on the community's assistance.
Amidst this crisis, the community has shown its support for the Torres De Paz family, with a GoFundMe campaign raising funds to cover medical, funeral, and living expenses. The campaign page encapsulates the community’s solidarity, stating, “Aiden deserves justice. This family deserves support and love from their community.” The family faces not only the emotional turmoil of losing their son but also the financial burden that accompanies such a tragedy, with already over $13,000 raised towards the $18,000 goal detailed on their fundraising page.
