Carson Gates, a 19-year-old honor student, tragically lost his life in a DUI accident. His heartbroken father, Richard Gates, will never stop mourning the loss of his beloved son. He stated, “This is something that no parent should have to go through, my life is upside down, I’m empty inside. I died when my son died.”
The fatal crash occurred on April 25th, 2020 in Fresno, California. At approximately 3 p.m., Carson Gates and his girlfriend were hit by a driver who was suspected of being under the influence of a combination of alcohol and marijuana.
Carson and his girlfriend were traveling westbound in a red Volkswagen when they were suddenly struck by a pickup truck driven by 26-year-old James Anderson. According to reports, Anderson ran the red light at the intersection of Nees and Chestnut. Then, his vehicle slammed into the Volkswagen while it prepared to make a left turn.
As a result, Carson—who was riding passenger—sustained extremely severe injuries. Paramedics responded to the scene and rushed him to the nearest hospital. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. Meanwhile, his girlfriend and the DUI suspect sustained minor injuries.
Police officers arrested Anderson shortly after and charged him with gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence. Considering the deathly consequences of Anderson’s actions, the prosecutor on this case wanted his bail to be set significantly higher than what the court suggested. However, new bail guidelines bound the judge and therefore obligated her to set Anderson’s bail at $254,000.
While Richard Gates’ world shattered the afternoon his son was killed, he will continue to keep his memory alive in his heart. This fatal crash changed the Gates family’s lives. A GoFundMe page has since been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
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