Crime & Safety

Serra High Alum Killed in Hwy 280 Crash

The two-car collision early Sunday morning left a BMW split in two.

A 21-year-old Serra High School alumnus was killed in a crash on Interstate Highway 280 in Santa Clara County early Sunday morning that left a BMW split in half, according to authorities.

Emergency personnel responded just after 4 a.m. to the crash on Highway 280 south of Page Mill Road, CHP Officer Art Montiel said.

According to Montiel, the force of the collision split the 1999 BMW in half and ejected the driver, identified as Julian Thomas of San Carlos.

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Thomas, who graduated from Serra High School in 2010, was found dead at the scene alongside his car after it struck a 2012 Nissan and a tree.

Montiel said Thomas was ejected from the vehicle even though he had been wearing a seat belt.

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The other passengers in the BMW, two 21-year-olds and a 19-year-old, as well as the solo driver of the Nissan, were taken to Stanford University Medical Center with moderate and minor injuries, the CHP reported.

The driver of the Nissan, Johnson Chao, of Redwood City, managed to climb from his car before emergency crews arrived, according to Montiel.

The collision remains under investigation, and it remains unknown if excessive speed, alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.

“Our hearts go out to Julian’s family and friends,” Serra High School President Lars Lund said in a statement to Patch.

"This is a tragic loss for all who knew and loved him. We remember Julian as a good student and, even more important, a good person. The Serra community is praying for Julian’s family during this most difficult time," he said.


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