A California family is reeling after the loss of their teenager. The boy was unexpectedly involved in a car crash that ultimately ended his life. But there are still so many questions about how the boy, Blaine Chandler, got into the crash. It seems that he somehow took a car that wasn’t his.
Currently, police are still investigating how a child who wasn’t even in high school yet ended up behind the wheel. Police are continuing their investigation to try to piece together what happened to the boy.
Just after 12:30 p.m. on March 18, 2025, a Honda Accord crossed into the eastbound lane of Manning Avenue near San Joaquin in Fresno County, according to California Highway Patrol, KMPH reported. It crashed head-on into a semi-truck, causing both vehicles to catch fire.
While the 24-year-old woman driving the semi escaped with minor injuries, the driver of the Honda wasn’t able to get out of the vehicle. The flames engulfing the car made it hard to identify the driver at the time.
Additionally, the crash resulted in a 2-acre grass fire. Crews put it out quickly.
13-year-old Blain Chandler of Visalia was identified as the person killed in a fiery head-on crash on Manning Avenue last week.
— FOX26 News (@KMPHFOX26) March 26, 2025
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According to The Fresno Bee, the Fresno coroner’s office identified the body on Monday, March 24. The driver was 13-year-old Blaine Chandler of Visalia, California. So far, police don’t know why the teen made an unsafe left turn on the highway. The driver of the empty livestock carrier had no way to stop her vehicle, leading to the crash.
Currently, the investigation is ongoing. Police are unsure if drugs or alcohol could have contributed to the accident, and have not confirmed who the car the boy was driving belonged to.
An online obituary called the boy “sweet,” and “loving.” He was one of five siblings, and his family are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “His boundless personality and ever present smile will be missed by all,” the obituary reads. Additionally, Chandler liked music and playing in the marching band.
“Blaine looked forward to becoming a drum major, improving his time doing the butterfly with Sova swim club and finishing the rebuilding of a Ford T-bucket with his dear neighbor and best friend,” according to the obituary. “He wanted to be an anesthesiologist when he grew up. He accomplished anything he put his mind to.”
“Blaine taught us all to love big and just keep smiling. He is truly missed.”
