Teen killed after car flew off SF overpass ID’d, planned to play college soccer

A 17-year-old who died after a car flew 25 feet off an elevated freeway in San Francisco was identified by the city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner as Lenin Homer Silva.

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On May 30, Silva was traveling on Interstate 80 with three other teenagers in a Chevrolet Camaro when the driver made an “unsafe turning movement.” The crash occurred just days after Silva graduated from Hillsdale High School in the San Mateo Union High School District, SFGATE previously reported.

After the Camaro hit a Recology tractor-trailer on the freeway and the sand barrels near the Seventh Street offramp, it flew off the metal railing onto the San Francisco Police Department’s impound yard and landed upside down. Silva, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver, an 18-year-old, and the front seat passenger, a 17-year-old, had moderate injures. The 18-year-old who was sitting in the back with Silva survived and had major injuries. 

In an interview with KGO-TV, Silva’s parents, Sue Homer and Paula Silva, described the testimonies highlighting their son’s life and character they’ve received. 

“The adults in his life, his teachers, his bosses at the bakery, the counselors at school, his coaches all just really adored Lenin,” they told the outlet. “He was a sweet kid with a big heart.”

Homer and Silva could not immediately be reached for comment. 

Silva was a dedicated soccer player in the Bay Area, according to multiple youth soccer groups. At one point, the teen played as a goalkeeper for the San Francisco Aztecs, according to a Facebook post from the soccer club. 

“Goalkeeper is one of the toughest positions in soccer. Sometimes you’re the hero and sometimes you’re the villain, but Lenin always showed up with effort, commitment, and a willingness to learn,” the post read. “… Lenin, you will always be remembered. Your spirit, dedication, and smile will remain in our hearts forever.”

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Shani Simpson, the director of coaching for the San Francisco Seals Soccer Club, told SFGATE that Silva also played for the MLS Next U19 team. 

“Lenin has been in my thoughts and prayers everyday since I heard of his passing,” he said. “… I and the Seals will continue holding his mothers and all who loved him in our prayers.”

According to a GoFundMe page from the family, Silva planned to continue playing at Skyline College in San Bruno. Money from the fundraiser, which has raised $11,750 out of its $22,000 goal as of Monday afternoon, will go toward youth sports. 

A celebration of life for Silva is scheduled to be held at Crocker Amazon Park in San Francisco on Monday, according to Facebook post from the San Francisco Aztecs.