Palos Verdes Estates: March 2008 Archives

Student journalists at Palos Verdes High School’s “Live from 205” pay tribute today to their classmate Andrew Sakura on their weekly newscast.

Students interview his soccer teammates, friends, father and teachers. Here it is: Livefrom205/Sakura


Sakura was killed March 8 when he lost control of his father’s Chevrolet Corvette while apparently speeding on Crenshaw Boulevard near Skypark Drive in Torrance and crashed into two other cars. His funeral was held today at Rolling Hills United Methodist Church. Burial followed at Green Hills Memorial Park in Rancho Palos Verdes.

Sakura’s girlfriend and another motorist were seriously injured in the crash.

Torrance police, meanwhile, have submitted their reports on the crash to the California Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Investigation Team for specialized work to determine how fast Sakura was going when he lost control.

Investigators also are continuing to conduct interviews to determine if Sakura was racing, Torrance police officer Dave Crespin said.

In addition to the Sakura broadcast, here’s the “Live from 205” report on the death of Rancho Palos Verdes resident Randal Simmons, an LAPD SWAT officer killed last month. Livefrom205/Simmons

I received this email from Viraf Pudumjee, parent of a Palos Verdes High School student, in response to my post about some of the harsh user comments on a story about the death of student Andrew Sakura. The 17-year-old was killed in a car accident in Torrance last week:

 

"I just read your blog entry which expressed views on this tragic accident, that took the life of Andrew Sakura on Saturday night.  I was gratified to read that you recognized the harshness of some people’s comments, and how these comments affect the Sakura family and Andrew’s friends at PVHS.

I can tell you that every night after visiting the memorial at school, we have a group of seniors here at our house, all close friends of Andrew’s, who just want to be together, to get through this tragedy. Every night, they sit at our dining table, and make necklaces with Andrew’s name, that are being sold at school to raise funds for a new goal at PVHS, dedicated to Andrew Sakura. 

When I see these kids dealing with their grief with a sense of purpose and maturity and a desire to make a difference, by honoring a great friend, I realize what great kids they really are, and just how ridiculous and disgusting all the speculation and negativity really is. It is our goal to provide a home for these kids to hang out and be together, for as long as it takes them and us, to deal with the grief that has impacted us all. The reality is that loving parents lost a wonderful kid and the students at PVHS lost a great friend. Nothing else anyone says really matters at all.  

This has hit us all very hard.  When my son transferred schools and came to PVIS in the 8th grade, Andrew was one of the first friends he made.  He was welcoming in the new environment, and made it a point to involve my son with his circle of friends.  That led to a close relationship, and a guest in our home eventually became one of the family. Their close friendship has lasted through high school, and their famous quote was 'I’m your brother from a different mother.'

He was a great kid, with an infectious smile that would light up a room, and over the years became a part of our family.  Always well-mannered, enthusiastic and very friendly, he was always caring and kind towards our two younger children as well. Andrew brought a sense of purpose and energy, wherever he went.   He will be greatly missed by us, but never forgotten.  This is what really matters."