North Monterey County Unified student killed in fiery crash identified, driver arrested

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has identified the teen killed in a fiery solo-vehicle crash Friday night in unincorporated Monterey County.The crash was reported around 8 p.m. on Meridian Road east of Revilla Drive, according to CHP.CHP said a 37-year-old Castroville man was driving a Volkswagen sedan westbound at a high rate of speed when it veered off the road and crashed into a tree.The car was carrying three juvenile passengers from Castroville: a 16-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy and a 7-year-old boy.The 16-year-old died as a result of the crash, CHP said. The driver suffered suspected major injuries and was taken to a local hospital. The 14-year-old and 7-year-old passengers were transported to a San Jose hospital with suspected moderate injuries.The 16-year-old was identified as Edgar Jeremiah Banuelos-Gonzalez of Watsonville, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, manslaughter and child endangerment.CHP said alcohol and speed are believed to have been factors in the crash.In a statement dated April 6, North Monterey County Unified School District said its community was “heartbroken by the tragic traffic accident on April 3, 2026, involving one of our families, that resulted in the passing of one of our high school students.”The district said every student is a valued member of the community and that the loss is being felt deeply. It also extended condolences to the student’s family and loved ones.The district said additional mental health and crisis support services will be available when students return to school on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. It also shared resources for families and community members who may need support.Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call CHP at 831-796-2160.