‘We need a miracle,’14-year-old hit by DUI driver in critical condition
Athena Jreij
LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — One of two boys struck in a La Quinta DUI crash last week, is in critical condition at Loma Linda University Medical Center, according to his family.
On Friday October 10th, Thermal Sheriff’s deputies responded to a collision at the intersection of Highway 111 and Adams St., when they found two juveniles hit by a car while riding their bikes.
One of those boys was 14-year-old La Quinta High School freshman, Liam Cantu.
Speaking exclusively to News Channel 3, Liam’s parents, Jennifer Perez and Jesus Cantu, say their friend found Liam at the scene and called them with the news that would change their life.
“They immediately called us and told us that my son was hit by a drunk driver or a car crash. We’re thinking that he was on the bike lane and the person tried to go around the traffic and hit my son and his friend,” Jesus Cantu said.
The family says the suspected drunk driver, identified as 47-year-old Jose Villegasorbe, first crashed in Indian Wells. The victim in that accident was chasing Villegasorbe at a high speed, when they crashed into the boys.
Liam’s friend survived with minor injuries but his parents say he hasn’t been as lucky. After the accident, he underwent emergency brain surgery and was put into a medically induced coma.
“He survived his initial brain surgery. They put him in an induced coma. His pressure was manageable, but Tuesday his pressures started to shoot up really high. So we’re hoping for a miracle right now. They’re telling us that he’s gone,” Perez and Cantu said.
The crash comes as Liam was excited to join the La Quinta High School baseball team.
“Liam’s been swinging a baseball bat since he could walk. He was excited for his first game. He had his jersey hung up. Out of everything he had in his closet, I don’t think he had anything hung up other than those two practice jerseys.”
Perez and Cantu describe their son as someone who is funny, outgoing, loved to dance and had an impact on everyone in his life.
“The baseball dads are calling me and telling me that their son wanted to quit baseball, and Liam motivated then to not quit, and to be better and help them. Everywhere we went, everyone always loved Liam.”
Now, they’re praying for a miracle and hoping the community’s prayers will bring back the Liam they love.
“We want to come on here and to tell the parents to hold their kids tight and and watch over them a little more. The day that they lose, the day you put your guard down, something tragic like this can happen,” Cantu said.
If you’d like to support the Cantu’s family and Liam’s recovery, visit: https://www.givesendgo.com/LiftedInAlmightyMercy?openShareModal=true.