Menifee boy, age 5, is only survivor of solo freeway crash

By Doug Spoon, Editor

A 5-year-old Menifee boy remains in critical condition in a Southland hospital after being the only survivor of a freeway crash that killed four others.

Nathaniel Rodriguez received major injuries in the solo vehicle crash, which occurred at 4:45 p.m. on Dec. 15 on Interstate 10 in Colton, according to the California Highway Patrol. For reasons still under investigation, the Toyota Camry drifted off the freeway just east of Riverside Avenue, struck a tree stump, and burst into flames.

Killed in the crash were Nathaniel’s father, Edgar Rodriguez, 35, of Hesperia; Rodriguez’ girlfriend, Melinda Perez, 44, of Hesperia; and Nathaniel’s grandparents, 60-year-old Ramiro Rodriguez and 62-year-old Maria Benito Ramos, both of Victorville.

Nathaniel lives in Menifee with his mother, Adriana Shrem, and his 15-year-old sister. Shrem also has a 23-year-old son. Nathaniel attends Ridgemoor Elementary School and his sister attends Kathryn Newport Middle School.

In a phone interview today, Shrem told Menifee 24/7 that Nathaniel was on a custodial visit with his father for the weekend and had just turned 5 the day before. Nathaniel and his family members were returning from the high desert en route to a 7 p.m. planned meeting with Shrem at a Chuck E Cheese in San Bernardino to celebrate the boy’s birthday.

“When his dad didn’t show up for the exchange, I knew something was wrong,” said Shrem as she waited for Nathaniel to come out of surgery today in UCI Health Medical Center in Irvine, where the boy was airlifted after the crash. “I started calling all the hospitals and police departments in Victorville and other areas.

“About 10 p.m., I got a call from the police saying they have a child who was in an accident and everyone else in the car died.”

Shrem said that Nathaniel’s surgery today “was successful” but she had to wait an hour or two to see him while he received wound care. Doctors amputated both hands and repaired both femur bones during the surgery.

Nathaniel has had six surgeries since the accident. He had abdominal surgery earlier and skin surgery on Friday. Nathaniel has burns on 50 percent of his body – especially his face, chest and arms. A family member who has organized a GoFundMe website reported that Nathaniel suffered a brain bleed, bilateral femur fractures, a tear in his spleen, and some bleeding in his lungs. Amputation of his hands was required because of severe injuries and burns to them.

Adriana Shrem said she and her daughter are staying at the Ronald McDonald House in Orange, which may be her “home for the next few months.” She said she is grateful for all the support her family is receiving during this difficult time.

“He is completely sedated for his comfort and the pain,” Shrem said. “The first 48 hours, I was a complete mess. I’m doing OK now. It’s a blessing he survived, but he’s still in critical condition. Nathaniel is a fighter, but every day is a challenge.”

Those wishing to donate to the family may do so at the following website:

Nathaniel Rodriguez GoFundMe site