ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) - Friends of a slain Encinitas teen have launched a door-to-door campaign to help his grieving family with funeral expenses.
"I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone more generous than him,” said Conor Sheahan.
“He was sassy, kind, soft-spoken,” said Bre Thompson.
“He was always there for you,” added Nico Collins.
For those who called 19-year-old Angel Hernandez a friend, the past week has been a wrenching blur.
Last Saturday night, deputies say Hernandez was stabbed by his 17-year-old brother in the driveway of their Encinitas home after an argument.
Hernandez was rushed to a hospital, where he passed away. His brother was arrested soon after, officials said.
“I just sit there and think about why he’s gone, and it doesn't make sense,” said Collins.
Hernandez's friends describe him as hard-working and caring. Hernandez graduated from La Costa Canyon High last year and was working full-time at Home Depot while attending MiraCosta College, aiming for a career in law enforcement.
His friends said Hernandez also had a passion for cars. So when his friends found out his family was struggling with funeral expenses, they decided to help.
“We just wanted to help. We can’t imagine the pain they are going through,” said Sheahan.
Over the past few days, friends have been going door to door in Carlsbad, offering to wash cars to raise money.
So far, they've raised more than $300. Washing cars was something Hernandez also used to do to make extra money.
“It feels like he's there, but it feels weird that he's not there,” said Sheahan.
And so, they press on, trying to help in their own way, trying to honor their friend's memory.
‘He took a piece of me. It’s hard to say it out loud … We will remember him forever,” said Thompson.
A Gofundme campaign has also been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
“The community response has been amazing, including donations from complete strangers. The family is so grateful,” said Sheahan.
Hernandez’s brother was arraigned in juvenile court on Wednesday. His next court appearance is on May 24.
