Toddler Killed in Crash Near Apple Park Visitor Center

The collision happened around noon on November 6 at the intersection of North Tantau and Pruneridge avenues, near Apple Park’s public visitor center. One of the vehicles caught fire. On November 8, Santa Clara County officials confirmed that the child who died was Riley Howard, a San Jose resident.

Bystanders found Riley unconscious and began CPR before paramedics arrived. She was taken to a hospital in critical condition and later died. An adult woman who was in the same vehicle continues to be in critical condition; officials have not disclosed her relationship to Riley. The driver of the other car, an adult man, suffered minor injuries, was treated at a hospital and released.

The man was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter after an investigation by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office traffic reconstruction specialist. Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances of the collision, and the investigation is continuing. The sheriff’s office has asked witnesses or anyone with relevant information to contact investigators.

Mourners gathered at the intersection on November 7, leaving flowers and candles beside a photograph of Riley. A witness said he heard the impact and saw a vehicle spin and spark as it struck a curb.