Isaiah Mendoza, a 16-year-old junior at Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, California, passed away in a single-car accident on Saturday night, September 21, 2025.
The crash happened around 11:40 p.m. on the northbound Lawrence Expressway at Benton Street.
Police in Santa Clara reported the details on social media, and the road stayed closed for hours as investigators worked. It reopened about 4:45 a.m. on Sunday.
Isaiah’s grandfather, Robert Maes Jr., shared the painful news with reporters. He described his grandson as the world to him.
Above all, tragically, Isaiah had just turned 16 and earned his driver’s license not long before.
His grandfather, Maes, said the accident came from a new driver losing control, and it made no sense to him.
One classmate, Julian Cuevas, spoke about the shock. He said it didn’t feel real, especially after working out with Isaiah just days earlier on Tuesday. Cuevas called it very sad.
Isaiah shone as a student athlete at Wilcox High, playing on the varsity baseball team, wearing number 6, and as a midfielder for the varsity soccer team, wearing number 20.
He joined the baseball roster as a freshman in February 2024 and remained on it through his junior year in 2025. For soccer, he started in November 2022 and played through the 2024-25 season.
In baseball, Isaiah helped the team push through a tough season. The Wilcox Chargers finished with a 16-11 overall record and a 8-6 in their league, tying for fourth place in the competitive De Anza League.
They made it to the CCS Division III playoffs but lost 3-1 to the Pioneer Mustangs in the first round.
During the playoff game in May 2024, Isaiah played catcher. A key moment came in the fifth inning when Pioneer scored on a close play at home plate.
Isaiah explained that the runner slid into him, knocking the ball loose, but he tagged the runner before he reached the plate. The umpire called it safe, which upset the crowd. Still, the Chargers fought back. In the bottom of the fifth, they scored one run to make it 2-1.
Besides baseball, Isaiah also made his mark in soccer. In the 2024-25 season, he helped the Wilcox Varsity Boys team win games.
On January 29, 2025, they beat Fremont High 4-3. Isaiah had two points and two assists.
Earlier, on December 7, 2024, they defeated Prospect High 5-1, where he scored two points with one goal. He joined the 2024-25 soccer roster in December 2024.
So far, details surrounding his funeral services have yet to be published.
During this difficult time, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Mendoza’s parents and extended family.
Rest Easy, Isaiah Mendoza!
