Friday, November 7, 2008
Teen killed in crash had just gotten his license
Friends and family paddle-out in Dana Point Sunday to remember 18-year-old killed in fiery crash in Laguna Niguel.
By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ
The Orange County Register
DANA POINT It was three weeks ago that 18-year-old Alexander Archambault received his license and, like for most teenagers, it symbolized a new independence, his mother said.
No more relying on other people to drive him from point A to point B. He bought a car and was ready for what seemed to be the beginning of adulthood for him, said 42-year-old Roxanne Huish.
Early Tuesday morning, Archambault lost control of his Mitsubishi Diamante while driving south on La Paz Road. The car hit the curb and crashed into a traffic light, splitting the car in two and engulfing it in flames.
Witnesses reported seeing the car traveling at a high rate of speed as it neared Kings Road and the crash is still under investigation, officials with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said.
For the third day since his crash in Laguna Niguel, friends and family members plan to meet at the site of the crash, where they have set up a makeshift memorial of candles and pictures of the Saddleback College student.
On Sunday, Nov. 16, friends plan a paddle-out at Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point. A memorial is also planned at 11 a.m. Nov. 15 at Pacific View Memorial, 3500 Pacific View, in Corona Del Mar.
“He was definitely the most joyful person I know,” said Christian Powell, 18, who met Archambault when the two took the same English class his freshman year in high school.
Powell said the two were best friends since, spending most of their time surfing at the beach.
Archambault was always up to spend time with his friends, and was always excited when they made plans – as long as he had completed his work beforehand, Powell said.
“He always had the most energy,” Powell said. “He always trying to get stuff done, always getting his work and schooling done.”
Archambault had just started school at Saddleback College and was thinking of building a career around his art, said Huish. He drew constantly and was thinking about a career around graphic design.
“He was coming into his own,” Huish said. “He was really excited about his future and independence.”
Huish said her son was on his way home when he lost control of his car. Minutes before the crash, he called to tell her he was on his way home from a friend’s house in Aliso Viejo.
Friends and family members plan to meet at Salt Creek Beach at 4 p.m. Nov. 16, where they plan to release a portion of his ashes into the ocean, Huish said.
A memorial fund has been set at Bank of America in his name, Huish said. Donations should be sent to the Alexander Huish-Archambault Memorial Fund at P.O. Box 7502, Capistrano Beach, 92624.
Contact the writer: shernandez@ocregister.com or 949-454-7361
