Mattviel “Chubby” Rodriguez, an 8-year-old member of the Rhinos Baseball team, took his last breath after an electric scooter accident in Chula Vista, California, on July 13, 2025.
According to the Chula Vista Police Department, Mattviel was riding a stand-up electric scooter in the Otay Ranch condominium complex when he was hit and pinned under a car around 2 p.m.
Bystanders, including Norliza Rodriguez and her husband, used a hydraulic jack to lift the vehicle and free him. However, despite efforts by police and fire departments, he was pronounced deceased at Rady Children’s Hospital.
While the drugs and alcohol weren’t involved, the police are investigating the crash, and the driver of the car, a man in his 50s from the complex, is cooperating.
Rodriguez’s coach, Miguel Ponce, expressed shock and grief, saying:
When I was first made aware was yesterday around 6 in the afternoon. We were having dinner, and we got the unfortunate call that Chubby had passed and that he was involved in an accident.
Miguel Ponce
Utter shock, I couldn’t believe it. The news you never want to hear.
Coach Miguel, upon hearing the news, rushed to the hospital. In a sad voice and still in disbelief, he told NBC 7:
All the emotions run inside you. Mad, sad, why him? You know, of all the people, I mean, no kid deserves to die ever, but Chubby was just, man it hurt. It really hurt.
Miguel Ponce
Ponce stated that this Friday would’ve been Chubby’s first league game. Rodriguez was happy to be going to get his new bat; however, his dreams were cut short on Sunday.
Miguel Ponce noted that the team planned to honor Mattviel with a commemorative pitch and shirts bearing his name during a game scheduled for July 18, 2025, saying:
This Friday, it would’ve been Chubby’s first league game … he was ecstatic, he was going to get his new bat Friday, his official league game was Friday, so what we plan on doing is reaching out to the other team he was going to play against and have a little throw out or honorary pitch in his honor and having shirts made with his name.
Miguel Ponce
The accident occurred days after the Chula Vista City Council approved an ordinance restricting electric micromobility devices for children under 12, which will take effect 30 days after a second vote.
A GoFundMe account has been created to help the Rodriguez family with the funeral expenses.
So far, neither of his parents has broken their silence on the tragic demise of their beloved son.
We offer our heartfelt condolences to Rodriguez’s parents, siblings, friends, coaches, teammates, and extended family during this difficult time.
Rest Easy, Mattviel Rodriguez!
