CHULA VISTA, Calif. (KGTV) — The Eastlake community in Chula Vista is mourning the death of Micah Pietila-Wiggs, a beloved athlete from the area and former Eastlake High Titan.
Family and a former coach confirmed he passed away in a car accident.
The California Highway Patrol said a 21-year-old man, presumed to be Pietila-Wiggs, died in a crash near the San Ysidro Port of Entry on Jan. 22.
According to the CHP, at around 5:16 a.m. on that day, a Ford F150 pickup truck was heading southbound on Interstate 5 when it crashed into a concrete barrier and overturned.
The driver was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
Pietila-Wiggs played both football and baseball at Eastlake High School.
From a young age, Pietila-Wiggs was an all-around athlete. He was part of the Eastlake Little League team that earned their way to the 2013 Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
He was smaller than most of his teammates at the time, but he stood out due to his long blond hair and peppy personality.
In 2017, 10News sports anchor Steve Smith caught up with Pietila-Wiggs in which he recalled what the historic moment meant to him.
"Williamsport was amazing," said Pietila-Wiggs. "It was a summer I'll never forget. It was just amazing. We got a bunch of free stuff. We were on TV. It was something I'll never forget."
Pietila-Wiggs was also a standout on the football field with his ability to play multiple positions.
He graduated from Eastlake High School in 2018 and went on to play baseball for the University of New Mexico Lobos from 2018 to 2019.
Pietila-Wiggs most recently played outfield for the Santa Ana College Dons.
Eastlake Little League opened its trophy case at the ELL main complex (1225 N Creekside Drive) as a vigil site for mourners.
A Meal Train account has been established to help the Pietila-Wiggs family. Click here for more information.
