BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — It would be his last motorcycle ride home from church.
Thirteen-year-old Nicolas Peterson took his last breath on the corner of Coffee and Hageman roads, after the motorcycle he was traveling on with his stepfather Johnathan Deal, was involved in a collision with an SUV Sunday afternoon.
The Bakersfield Police Department was dispatched to that intersection at 12:59 p.m. and found Peterson and Deal, 35, with major injuries. Peterson was pronounced dead on the scene and Deal was transported to Kern Medical, before being airlifted to Loma Linda hospital where is in critical condition.
Tiffiny Deal, the boy's mother knew something was wrong when she noticed the pair was taking a long time to return from church, according to Peterson's aunt Brandee Coffia.
"she looked at his location on the phone and saw that it hadn't moved from that intersection for at least an hour and so she went there."
Deal would find an obvious emergency situation when she arrived, with law enforcement and medical crews all over. Soon after, she would learn her son passed away as a result of his injuries.
Since then, the mother has been inconsolable, Coffia said.
Peterson was in 7th grade at Fruitvale Junior High. He leaves behind two sisters, 15-year-old Abby and 12-year-old Emily.
With tears streaming down his face, Peterson's father Kyle Peterson told 23ABC News that his son was a great brother.
"Nic was a very loving kid, a very loving child, he cared so much for everyone and cared for other people's feelings," Peterson said.
Nic was also described as a tough, resilient being, who fought courageously through Type 1 diabetes. He wanted to help young children struggling with diabetes when he grew up, according to Coffia.
The family tells 23ABC News that they are thankful for everyone who helped the pair at the scene of the crash and appreciates the many who contributed to the family's fundraiser.
"We thank everyone who stopped to help Nic and Jonathan and we are so grateful to all the first responders and their efforts. We are praying for them along with ourselves," Coffia told 23ABC.
