15-Year-Old Missing Teen's Body Recovered After His Father Was Found Dead 3 Days Before — Details

A teenage boy reported missing earlier this week has been found dead near the site of a single-vehicle crash off Interstate 5 in Modesto, California, that claimed his father's life days earlier.

The body of 15-year-old Aaron Ramirez was discovered on Friday morning (August 8, 2025), three days after a fatal crash involving his father's SUV, which entered the California Aqueduct along Interstate 5 near Patterson, California.

The crash, which occurred early Tuesday morning, had initially resulted in the recovery of only one victim — Aaron's father, Raul Ramirez.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), officers responded to a call about a crash around 6:30 a.m. on August 5. The incident happened on I-5, north of Sperry Avenue, and involved a 2003 Nissan SUV pulling a single-axle utility trailer.

CHP investigators said the vehicle, driven by Raul, was traveling northbound in the number one lane when it made an unsafe turn to the right. The SUV then crossed the slow lane and exited the road, descending a steep grassy embankment for about 1,000 feet.

The vehicle reportedly crashed through two sets of barbed-wire fencing before plunging into the California Aqueduct. Emergency crews recovered the submerged SUV and found Raul deceased inside.

Authorities initially believed he was the sole occupant, as there were no immediate indications of a second person inside the vehicle. CHP stated that it remains unclear if drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash.

Following the recovery, the coroner contacted Raul's next of kin. Family members informed law enforcement that Aaron had also been in the SUV at the time of the crash. This new information prompted an expanded search for the missing teenager.

Their family told ABC10 that Aaron and his 55-year-old father, Raul, were driving from Los Banos to pick up a car when the crash happened. They believe Raul had a heart attack while driving.

Recovery diver Juan Heredia, present during the search efforts, confirmed the finding of Aaron's body. He stated that the teen was missing following the vehicle's plunge into the aqueduct.

While Raul's body was found during the vehicle's recovery, Aaron was not located inside at the time. His body was later discovered about two miles from the original crash site.

In response to the tragedy, the Ramirez family launched a fundraiser to support Raul's wife and son. The fundraiser, hosted on GoFundMe, highlights the family's sudden and profound loss.

On the campaign page, the family wrote, "We are the Ramirez family, and we are raising funds to support Elvia Ramirez and her surviving son, Isaac Ramirez, during an unimaginable time of loss."

"On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, Elvia's world was forever changed when she tragically lost her loving husband, Raul Ramirez, and their 15-year-old son, Aaron Ramirez, in a sudden accident. This heartbreaking event has left Elvia and Isaac facing a future without two of the most important people in their lives," read the description on the GoFundMe page.

The online fundraiser further highlighted Elvia's ordeal, saying, "While grieving such an overwhelming loss, Elvia is also confronted with unexpected and significant expenses—funeral and memorial costs, time away from work, counseling, and daily living needs for her and Isaac as they navigate life during this difficult transition."

As of now, over $16,000 has been raised toward the $50,000 goal. Donations continue to come in as the community rallies behind the family.

The crash remains under investigation. CHP stated, "The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security."

The discovery of Aaron's body concludes a tragic chapter in the aftermath of the crash, bringing heartbreaking confirmation to a family already grappling with devastating loss.