Anything bad occurring to their kids is every parent’s biggest dread. When this dad of three learned that he had lost all three of his kids, his greatest dread came true.
Captain Steve Biakanja of San Jose Fire Station 16 had his darkest nightmare come true when he discovered that his 14-year-old twin daughters Leigh and Lucy, as well as his 12-year-old son Ben, had been killed in an automobile accident on Highway 156 in Hollister.
Lisa Biakanja, Biakanja’s ex-wife, and the mom of the kids were also killed.
As per the California Highway Patrol, the four were riding in a 2014 model Tesla on westbound Highway 156 when their car drifted into oncoming traffic and smashed with a tractor-trailer for unclear reasons.
An inquiry is presently underway to determine why Tesla strayed into oncoming traffic. Thaun, Biakanja’s current wife, informed the media that the Tesla the family was riding in lacked the Tesla auto-pilot option.
According to the Carmel Unified School District, all three youngsters were enrolled at Carmel Middle School and had previously attended Tularcitos Elementary School.
Coming back, the second week of school to this news this morning was obviously very unfortunate and was difficult for a lot of staff and children to hear, said Ted Knight, superintendent of the school system.
Some pupils had to go home. Some students are speaking with mental health specialists at their wellness center. Others may have simply needed some peace and quiet, Knight said.
Captain Biakanja has a GoFundMe campaign set up by Station 16. The contributions will be used to cover children’s burial fees, as well as therapy, food, and other types of care for Biakanja and his wife Thaun, according to the page’s statement.
At San Jose Fire, every member of the squad is regarded as family, and a family must stick together in times of need. For years, Captain Biakanja has maintained vigil for his neighborhood, embodying the department’s philosophy of “For the Kids” in devotion to his people. They beg for one’s help in this time of need for his children. With one’s assistance, they will do their best to alleviate the pain of this sorrow and respect the memories of his loving kids, the description said.
The kids and their hobbies in life were described in the description. Leigh Biakanja was a Sea Cadet who enjoyed science and softball. Lucy, her twin sister, was an animal lover who reared her own chickens and doves. Ben, their 12-year-old baby brother, was intensely keen on World War II and left behind a collection of World War II artifacts.
What a horrible loss of youth. Captain Biakanja and his wife Thuan have our hearts. May the family find comfort, peace and strength in this terrible loss.
