Joshua Salas, a Middle College student at Skyline was killed on Nov. 23, when hit by an SUV when he walking home from school. He was 17 years old.

According to KRON 4, Salas was in the crosswalk when hit by the SUV on highway 35, Skyline Boulevard near Glencourt Way at 3:25 p.m. The driver of the vehicle was sober and did not see Salas crossing. Salas was pinned under the SUV and died at the scene and was not identified till the next day.

Salas was known by his family as a dedicated person.

“He was a hard worker,” father of Joshua Salas, Gene Salas said. “He thought of his education, telling us his education came above everything else. He had his friends and was a very caring person.”

According to a few of his many friends including the staff he was admired.

“He was a quiet and intelligent young man with a sense of self, with a big heart who is well respected by his peers,” Raymond Jones, interim director of Middle College said.

“He was such a loving person,” said student Andrea Flores, one of Joshua’s best friends. “There wasn’t a day that goes by that where he wouldn’t hug me…he hugged everybody that was his thing.”

Jasleen Kaur, another one of his friends from high school said, “If he saw someone alone he would sit right next to them and just talk to them so they won’t feel alone.”

The family of Salas has a GoFundMe account to raise money for the funeral expenses for at least $6,000. With the leftover money the family is working to do something with the traffic light. The traffic light would make it safer to cross to the bus stop.

“Skyline middle college is increasing with students,” Salas’ father said. “Kids will use that bus stop more frequently where it is unsafe for the kids. Kids who cross that cross walk, that traffic light, got to yield to the left we want to make that area a lot safer.”

The family also is hiring a lawyer to pursue at least a safer pedestrian crossing.

The World Cup Bookstore and Café throughout November 30 – December fourth are donating all their tips to the Salas family.

“I just wanted to empower my students,” Manager of World Cup, Kevin Chak said, “to give back to the Skyline Community since everyone shops at the World Cup Bookstore…I just wanted them to realize without the community itself be it Joshua, be it everyone else on campus we need to give back.”

The choice to donate the tips was a unanimous vote to the staff of the café which came to a yes to donate to the family.

“I think it’s a good idea to help fundraising for a family that needs help, because, let’s say when I need help, people are going to be helping me so it’s like pay it forward,” said Sonya Gomez who is studying education.

Salas’ main goal was to become a registered nurse. He wanted to join the Air Force. Salas was part of the El Camino High School band and played the clarinet. Music was a large part of his life.

“They should at least have an arrow on the traffic light,” mother of Joshua Salas, Lynn Salas said.

Acting President Eloisa Briones sent out an email to the Skyline staff that there are counseling services provided for the Middle College students. Jones also said although the program had just begun in August there is already a strong community established.

For donations to be made to the Salas family, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/hgbyjmbg

Update: the article has been replaced with the latest version available. 1:15 p.m. 12/7/2015.