Fundraiser Created for Oxnard Man Killed in Vehicle Crash on Highway 101 in Santa Barbara

An online fundraiser has been created for a the family of a man who was killed in a vehicle collision off Highway 101 in Santa Barbara last week.

Emanuel Aragon, 24-years-old from Oxnard, was killed on the morning of November 1st while driving northbound on Highway 101 near the Castillo Street onramp. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) report notes the weather conditions were foggy.

For unknown reasons, his silver Acura TL left the roadway around 6:44 a.m. and collided with a tree on the east side of Highway 101, eventually overturning and crashing into an embankment, according to the CHP report. 

Aragon was ejected from the vehicle and landed in the center lane of the highway. He was pronounced deceased at the scene when emergency personnel arrived, CHP stated.

While the investigation in ongoing, CHP states they do believe alcohol or drugs may be a factor in the crash. 

Northbound lanes near Castillo Street were shut down for several hours as traffic was rerouted off the Highway to Bath Street and other surrounding surface roads.

A separate vehicle collision between two other vehicles had taken place in the same area around the same time, but it was not connected to Aragon’s crash. Two occupants sustained minor injuries and refused medical transport.

An online fundraiser was created by Aragon’s family to assist with funeral costs. 

“It’s with much sadness that we share the passing of my brother, Emanuel. Losing him has been incredibly hard for our family, and we’re trying our best to give him the farewell he deserves,” the fundraiser states. “Emanuel was loved deeply by those who knew him. He had a kind heart, a warm spirit, and brought light into our lives.”

Aragon worked in Santa Barbara as a Certified Phlebotomy Technician for Pacific Diagnostic Laboratories. The fundraiser has raised over $13,500 as of Thursday.