An 18-year-old Santa Clara University student murdered near campus has been identified

SANTA CLARA, California – The community is mourning the death of Santa Clara University student killed on Thursday on the way to class.

Funeral services are planned for the victim, identified as 18-year-old Cephas Pope.

Shortly before noon, the teenager was struck by a vehicle near the university campus at El Camino Real and Accolti Way. The incident occurred on the penultimate day of classes, before students went on Thanksgiving break.

“When officers arrived, they found a pedestrian on the ground with visible injuries,” Santa Clara police said in a news release. The teenager was taken to hospital. “Unfortunately, he died as a result of his injuries,” the police said.

They said the driver remained at the scene and was cooperating with investigators. Drugs or alcohol were not suspected in the collision.

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Santa Clara County Office of Medical examiner-coroner he said it appeared Pope was a San Jose resident.

He was a second-year student Santa Clara Universitywhere his sister is also a student and where his father also attended school.

The teenager was remembered as a bright young man with a warm nature and a great sense of humor.

AND GoFundMe was set up to help the family cover expenses, including his funeral, which his father said will be Dec. 2 in the Fresno County town of Sanger.

“Everyone is welcome and it will be a great comfort to me to have everyone there,” the teen’s father, Nathan Pope, said in announcing memorial plans.

On GoFundMe, a family friend shared his sadness at the loss and paid tribute to the young man.

“Cephas brought us so much joy, warmth and laughter,” the Zhang family wrote. “He was such a wise, kind, humorous and innocent soul who felt like another son and brother to us. We love him very much and will always cherish his memory.”