Crash kills 2 fathers, 2 sons all from the same family
UC California at Berkeley right-handed pitcher was the only person in the car to have survived a crash on I-80 that killed his father, brother and two other relatives, according to the California Highway Patrol and the coroner.
Jared Horn, a Cal baseball player, was driving Saturday and the only one in the car who survived the 8 p.m. crash at the San Pablo Dam Road exit, the university and the CHP confirmed. He suffered injuries but was released back home to Napa.
According to Contra Costa County Coroner, his father, Daryl Horn, 50 and brother, Joseph Horn, 14, both of Napa, were killed. Two others in the car were also killed: Troy Biddle, 52, and Baden Biddle, 12, both of Bainbridge Island, Washington. A family spokesperson, Kirk Smith, said the Troy Biddle was the brother-in-law and nephew of Daryl Horn.
The Horn and Biddle families released a statement to the media on Monday afternoon.
The Horn and Biddle families appreciate the tremendous outpouring of support from their communities.
Troy Biddle and Daryl Horn were beloved fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, friends and coaches. Baden Biddle (13) and Joe Horn (14) were beautiful,caring and innocent boys whose loss will be felt by all those who knew them. The families are focusing on supporting each other and ask for privacy during this time.
Amanda and Denise would appreciate if the message and memory of those lost were of their love of familyand community. These men were dedicated to youth sports and mentoring children. Through the years they have had a tremendous impact on the lives of young boys and girls that their communities will benefit from for generations.
The dads and their boys spent their last day doing what they loved, playing in an annual father son basketball tournament. It was an amazing day filled with pride and laughter.
The surviving families consist of Amanda Horn (Biddle) and their daughter Devon Biddle (10), Denise Horn their daughter Greta and son Jared. The families have a deep love for each other and will use their strength to manage this difficult time.
Joe Horn attended Redwood Middle School in Napa. In a statement, the Napa Valley Unified School District said:
"Our entire Napa Valley Unified School District community is heartbroken for the Horn family, and we will do all we can, individually and collectively, to offer our love and support. The Horn family has deep roots in our school community. Right now, our counselors and other trained support staff are helping students and staff to process the tragedy. As the family's needs change, so will our efforts to help with whatever they need, and we will share that information as appropriate."
Horn's mother, who was not part of the crash, in an employee of the school district.
Authorities arrested the alleged hit-and-run driver, 47-year-old Sacramento resident Fred Lowe, after he initially fled. He was booked on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and hit and run. Lowe is believed to cause the pileup in the westbound lanes of the highway near San Pablo Dam Road, authorities said.
"We cannot imagine what Jared is going through right now, and the thoughts and prayers of our entire Cal baseball community are with Jared and his family," Cal baseball head coach Mike Neu said in a statement.
"Jared is a respected and beloved member of our team as well as an incredible student-athlete, teammate and friend. We will give him any and all support that we can as he goes through this unthinkably difficult time," Neu said.