Rafael Martin del Campo, 21—A Young Life Lost on Dangerous San Bernardino Roads
The San Bernardino County community is united in sorrow over the devastating loss of Rafael Martin del Campo. At just 21 years old, a life brimming with potential was tragically cut short in a motorcycle collision in Rialto on December 2. Rafael’s death is a profound heartbreak for his family in Bloomington, a sudden, violent end to a young man’s journey. The shock of the crash, which occurred around 1 p.m. near Cedar Avenue and 2nd Street, serves as a cruel reminder of the risks faced daily on local highways.
Critical Injuries and a Fight for Survival
When officers arrived at the scene of the collision, they found Rafael suffering from critical injuries. He was rushed to a local trauma center, where doctors fought valiantly to save him, but ultimately, he succumbed to his wounds. The agonizing hours between the crash and his passing underscore the violence of the impact. While the investigation determined that drugs or alcohol were not contributing factors—emphasizing the arbitrary nature of the tragedy—it does little to alleviate the pain of a family robbed of their son and friend.
The Tragic Statistic: High Fatality Rate on County Roads
Rafael Martin del Campo’s death is not just a personal tragedy; it tragically contributes to San Bernardino County’s alarming traffic safety landscape. The county maintains a fatality rate per capita that is more than double that of nearby metropolitan areas. This heartbreaking statistic—17.22 deaths per 100,000 residents—highlights a systemic danger that touches every family. It is a terrible injustice that a young man with a full life ahead of him should become a tragic casualty on roads that pose such a high individual risk to their residents.
Honouring Rafael: A Call for Safer Roads
We extend our deepest and most compassionate sympathies to the loved ones of Rafael Martin del Campo. We honor the memory of this 21-year-old by committing to remember his kindness and his life, which was so suddenly and unjustly taken. May his friends and family find strength in their shared memories, and may the investigation provide the necessary clarity and closure during this difficult time.