Losing Isaiah Mendoza, a 16-year-old Junior at Wilcox High School in a car crash in Santa Clara, has left the community, friends, and family devastated.
This unfortunate incident occurred on the 20th of September, 2025. Isaiah was a bright individual with so many things that made him very special to those around him. His gentle spirit, love for sports, cheerful character made him even more loved by those around him.
He was always able to balance his studies and his commitment to his baseball and soccer teams. Fellow teammates say that “he made every practice fun” this goes to show that he indeed was a wonderful teammate to play alongside.
Not only on the pitch was he exceptional but teachers remember how he always lent a helping hand to his classmates with a smile and how he was the kid everyone wanted to be around. His uncle, long standing youth coach Bobby Maes said Isaiah had “a heart that never quits” a memory that loved ones now hold onto dearly.
Memorials and funeral plans are being put together by the school and community to honor the young man. Despite living such a short life, he really impacted the lives of those around him positively. The Chargers will be playing their next game with Isaiah’s memories in their hearts.
