A kindergartener from Hong Kingston Elementary School in Stockton died following a car crash last week, school district officials said.
Bryan Thong, 5, of Stockton, was identified Tuesday by the Sacramento County Coroner’s Office as the child who died in a collision near Pacific Avenue and Northbank Court on Oct. 21.
Thong died Sunday, Oct. 26, according to Sacramento County Coroner’s Office records.
A statement regarding Thong’s death was sent to the families of the child’s classmates, according to Melinda Meza, Stockton Unified’s director of communications, marketing and media relations.
“Dear families, with a heavy heart, we share the news that one of our kindergarten students, Bryan, has passed away. Bryan’s family has asked us to share this information,” the statement said. “Please join us in keeping Bryan’s family and friends in your thoughts and wishing them comfort and peace.”
Meza said the school provided counselors and support for students, staff and family members.
During the Stockton Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday, Area 5 Trustee Donald Donaire, whose area encompasses Hong Kingston, offered his condolences to the Thong family. He said the family was raising funds for Thong’s funeral and that he would share donation information on social media.
A social media flyer from Thong’s family said, “Our hearts are broken by the loss of our sweet Bryan. His laughter, kindness and endless energy brought so much joy to our family.”
The family added, “He was the light of his mother’s world, her little sunshine, her everything. Though his time with us was far too short, the love he gave will stay in our hearts forever.”
Investigation underway
Stockton police said officers responded at 12:31 a.m. to a report of a vehicle collision near Pacific Avenue and Northbank Court.
At the scene, officers learned that a 25-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman were involved in a crash. Thong was inside the woman’s vehicle, police said.
The boy was taken to a hospital in critical condition, police said at the time. The two drivers were treated for their injuries at the scene.
The collision is still under investigation, police said Tuesday.
Record reporter Victoria Franco covers public safety in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at vfranco@gannett.com. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Kindergartener from Hong Kingston Elementary School in Stockton dies in car crash
Reporting by Victoria Franco, The Stockton Record / The Record
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