Coroner Identifies Adelanto Crash Victim As 16-Year-Old Robert Castro Jr.; Family Launches GoFundMe

ADELANTO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office has identified the teenager who died following a crash involving a Dodge Charger carrying eight teens in Adelanto as 16-year-old Robert Castro Jr. of Victorville.

The identification corrects information initially released by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which described the victim as a 17-year-old male.

The fatal crash occurred at about 2:37 a.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026, on Rancho Road and Lilac Road in Adelanto.

Sheriff’s officials said a 2013 Dodge Charger carrying eight occupants was traveling at an excessive speed when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and roll onto its side.

At least seven of the occupants, including Castro, were transported to local hospitals for treatment. Castro later succumbed to his injuries.

As family members mourn his loss, Robert Castro Sr. has created a GoFundMe campaign titled “In Loving Memory of Robert Jr.” to help cover funeral and memorial expenses. In the fundraiser, he described his son as a loving family member and friend while asking the community for support during the difficult time.

“As we plan a farewell that honors him, we are faced with unexpected expenses,” Castro wrote. “Any contribution, no matter how small, means the world to us.”

Castro also shared a message he sent to his son about an hour after learning of his death.

“The text screenshot posted is when I noticed my son’s phone was still active about an hour after hearing of his passing. So I sent him this text knowing it will still reach him coming from my soul to his,” Castro wrote.

In the message, Castro reflected on cherished memories of his son and the grief of losing him.

“I love you my son,” he wrote. “You are such a good kid. I remember seeing your eyes open for the first time at the hospital when you were born.”

He continued, “It was a blessing having you here with us. But you will always remain in my heart. I love you my son.”

Expressing his grief, Castro wrote, “It’s hard for me to process this. My fatherly love for you my son is so strong that we will always be connected here on this earth and in heaven, until we meet in Heaven.”

Near the end of the message, Castro thanked his son for the nearly 17 years they shared together.

“Thank you for bringing me joy for almost 17 years. I will see you soon. I LOVE YOU MY BOY. MY JR.”

Those wishing to support the family can do so through the GoFundMe campaign created by Castro’s father (In Loving Memory of Robert Jr).

The crash remains under investigation by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Regional Major Accident Investigation Team (M.A.I.T.).

Related Article: 17-Year-Old Dies, Several Others Injured After Dodge Charger Carrying Eight Teens Crashes In Adelanto

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