Warning: Graphic content, readers’ discretion advised
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: The Las Vegas community is reeling from the heart-wrenching loss of Angel Naranjo, 16, who tragically died in a biking accident. The incident occurred on Sunday, July 30, around midnight, near the intersection of East Lake Mead Boulevard and Pecos Road.
The Las Vegas Wash Trail, where the accident occurred, is a shared-use path designed for pedestrians, joggers, cyclists, skateboarders, strollers, and wheelchairs. However, motorized vehicles, including minibikes, are not permitted on the trail, according to the City of North Las Vegas website. As of now, Clark County officials are closely monitoring the investigation into Angel's death. Erik Pappa, a Clark County spokesman, expressed sympathy for the family and friends of Angel, hoping to gain more insights into the tragic incident.
Angel Naranjo collided with a cable that was stretched across the pathway
According to the detailed report released by the Metropolitan Police Department, Angel was joyfully riding his minibike alongside his 19-year-old brother when the accident occurred. As they rode along the paved trail next to the Las Vegas Wash, disaster struck when Angel collided with a cable that was stretched across the pathway. The cable, which was apparently tied to a fence's pole, caused him to fall off the bike and inflicted critical injuries to the teenager's neck.
An emergency worker reached the scene shortly after midnight and discovered Angel "sitting up against the east wall" with severe neck injuries. Despite immediate efforts to administer aid, his condition quickly deteriorated. Moments later, a police officer responded to the distressing call and found Angel's lifeless body inside an ambulance. Tragically, the young boy could not be saved.
Angel Naranjo's heartbroken family seeks justice
Devastated family members are now appealing to the public for assistance in finding the person responsible for the cable that led to their beloved Angel's untimely death. His father, Rudy Naranjo, tearfully urged people to cherish their loved ones, saying, "If you’re close to your family, hug them because you never know when it could just be that one last time." The grieving father lovingly described his son as "an angel" and the "light of the room." The loss of Angel has left his family and loved ones heartbroken and struggling to comprehend the tragedy that they believe could have been prevented. "It's just devastating in many ways," Rudy expressed, as reported by KTNV.
Who was Angel Naranjo?
Angel, a student at Equipo Academy in East Las Vegas, was known for his caring nature and willingness to help others. His former classmates and school staff remember him as an outgoing and mature individual with a passion for mechanical work, engines, and motorcycles. Catalina Garcia, a graduate of Equipo Academy, who worked in the school's discipline department, recalled Angel as a kind and polite young man who never failed to greet her with a smile, even on challenging days. "Just him passing away is a little bit, you know, hard because he had plans. He was really interested in mechanical stuff, like engines, motorcycles, building stuff," Garcia shared.
Anna Parra, the dean of students at Equipo Academy, praised Angel's willingness to assist others and his positive attitude. She described him as a bright soul who always took responsibility for his actions and strived to do better. Principal Ben Salkowe expressed his admiration for the teenager's dedication to his studies and personal growth. He described the teen as someone who put in extra effort, often staying at school late and even on weekends to achieve his goals. "His story feels like a pretty unfinished story," Salkowe lamented, as quoted by the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
As the community comes together to mourn Angel's tragic death, a GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend to cover his memorial costs. The page has already garnered significant support, with more than $18,900 raised toward the $20,000 goal as of Sunday, August 6.
