TAFT (Kiii News) -
The community in Taft is in mourning after losing one of their own. This past weekend and tonight, friends and family members have been gathering to remember a life cut way too short.
James Gonzalez, 17, died Sunday morning near Taft after falling asleep at the wheel and crashing into a ditch. Gonzalez had just graduated from Taft High School earlier this month. His family was planning on throwing a graduation party for him to be held this Friday.
One of the reasons Gonzalez is so well known is because his parents own the Dairy King in Taft. Gonzales himself worked there and Wednesday, the restaurant was closed. A pair of Gonzalez's sneakers hung in honor of him, with well wishes written on them. Meanwhile, at the Resthaven Funeral Home in Sinton, a visitation was held.
His family says he had just attended a graduation party for his friend Katerina Maldonado on Saturday night. Gonzalez's family said if you are feeling too tired to drive, don't. Call somebody and ask for a ride.
At the funeral home, Gonzalez's friends showed pictures of their friend, saying he will be greatly missed in the community. He loved to dance, hunt and fish. He served at the church he attended and was planning on continuing his education at Del Mar College. He is survived by his ten-month old daughter.
The family says Gonzalez was looking forward to Father's Day because it was going to be his first Father's Day as a father. That was the day he died. He also would have turned 18-years old on Monday.
His best friend, the passenger in the truck that crashed, 18-year old Christopher Maldonado was released from the hospital Wednesday.
