Rising soccer star about to realize his college dreams killed in head-on crash that sent car flying off overpass

Published: 04:40, 8 June 2026 | Updated: 04:49, 8 June 2026 A soccer star who had been on the verge of pursuing his dreams was killed in a head-on collision that sent a car flying off the overpass. Lenin Homer Silva, whose family members called him 'Len,' had just graduated from Hillsdale High School in San Mateo, California and committed to playing soccer for Skyline College in San Bruno when he was pronounced dead in the early morning hours of May 30, ABC 7 reports.  Silva, 17, had played for at least a dozen soccer teams over his short life. 'The beginning and end of his world was sports,' said his mothers, Sue Homer and Paula Silva. 'He graduated and he was going to college, and it was his dream to play soccer in college and that he was going to do all of those things.' But Silva's life came to a tragic end when he was riding, unbuckled, in the back seat of a Chevrolet Camaro driven by an 18-year-old friend who authorities said made an 'unsafe turning movement to the right' while traveling down Interstate 80 in San Francisco at around 1.30am, according to the San Francisco Gate.   The Camaro then struck the left corner of a Recology tractor-trailer, and the impact caused both vehicles to careen into the yellow sand barriers near the Seventh Street off-ramp. The truck was able to come to a stop on the interstate, but authorities said the Camaro crashed through the metal bridge railing and fell 25 feet down into a San Francisco impound yard. It then struck several vacant cars in the yard before landing on its roof.  Lenin Homer Silva, 17, was pronounced dead at the scene of a horrific crash off Interstate 80 in San Francisco on May 30 Silva was a rising soccer star who had committed to playing the game for Skyline College in San Bruno The 18-year-old driver was able to get himself out of the car and was taken to a hospital for moderate injuries, as was the 17-year-old front seat passenger. But crews from the San Francisco Fire Department had to use the so-called jaws of life to rescue Silva and another 18-year-old from the back seat. Silva was then pronounced dead at the scene, while the 18-year-old remains in critical condition. Authorities said both the Camaro driver and the truck driver were 'cooperative' with investigators, who do not believe any drugs or alcohol were involved in the collision. They are now probing whether speed may have been a factor in the deadly crash. In the meantime, Silva's parents said they are struggling to come to terms with their son's death. They told how they were texting him at 1am that morning, and he responded as he and his friends were getting on the freeway. 'I'm still thinking it's a mistake, that the hospital lady did not understand that it wasn't my son and I was like, "He's just gonna call me back and confirm that it was not my son,"' one of his mothers said. 'We miss him so much,' the other mother added. 'I know it sounds like a cliche, but I swear every day I wake up and just expect Len to come bopping through my door, which he did every morning.' The soccer community remembered Silva for his skill on the field and his kind attitude off the field Following the news of Silva's untimely passing, the soccer community shared their condolences online. 'We are heartbroken by the loss of Lenin Homer Silva, a talented young goalkeeper and valued member of the Cal North Olympic Development Program family,' Cal North Soccer posted to Facebook. 'Known for his dedication, determination and love for the game, Lenin represented the very best of youth soccer on and off the field,' the organization wrote. 'As a goalkeeper, he demonstrated courage, leadership and resilience, always putting their team first and inspiring those around them with their work ethic and positive attitude. 'Beyond his accomplishments on the field, he will be remembered as a kind friend, supportive teammate and cherished member of the soccer community. 'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Lenin's family, friends, teammates and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them,' Cal North Soccer concluded. 'Lenin's memory will forever remain a part of the Cal North ODP family.' San Francisco Seal Soccer, the latest team for which Silva played on its Next U19 team, also said it was 'saddened' by his loss. 'There are no words to describe the magnitude of shock and grief of losing such a young promising life,' it posted. 'During this time of deep sorrow, we extend our sincere condolences to Lenin's family, loved ones and the communities his young life touched. Our thoughts are with them.' The San Mateo Union High School District, from which Silva had graduated on May 28, further said: 'There are no words that can fully capture the grief and shock of losing a member of our Hillsdale High School family. 'Even though the school year has ended, our commitment to our students and families has not,' school officials noted, explaining that mental health resources are available to students. Silva's parents now say all of the messages they received from friends and loved ones showed the affect he had on those around him. 'I have been reading like testimony after testimony [from] his friends about what a great kid he was,' one of his mothers said. 'The adults in his life, his teachers, his bosses at the bakery, the counselors at school, his coaches all just really adored Lenin. He was a sweet kid with a big heart. Somebody described him as a gentle giant.' The family said they plan to hold a private celebration of life to honor what they described as their kind and adventurous son. In the meantime, though, they are hoping for the other passenger's full recovery. 'These kids' lives will never be the same,' the mothers lamented.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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