Junior Joseph ‘JoJo’ Gutierrez, a varsity football player, hit a
tree at approximately 50 mph
Gilroy – High school junior Joseph “JoJo” Gutierrez remains in critical but stable condition at San Jose Regional Medical Center’s intensive care unit after crashing an SUV into a tree early Sunday morning, police said.
The 17-year-old was driving westbound on Hecker Pass Highway after dropping a friend off at home about 6:56am when his car left the roadway and slammed into a tree at about 50mph, police said. The varsity football player suffered blunt force trauma, a dislocated hip and head injuries in the collision.
“He’s a good kid,” said GHS football coach Darren Yafai. “He’s always a happy kid, always smiling and upbeat. I think that all of us – the staff here and students – are hoping for a full recovery.”
According to Yafai, Gutierrez had planned to play his senior year – and he certainly had the talent.
Football runs in the Gutierrez family. The speedy running back is the second son to play football for GHS, and one of four boys who play the sport. His mother Susan never misses a game, his father Joe tape records his children’s games, and his little sister cheers for her brothers.
The Gutierrez family could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
“After head injuries, football is definitely put aside,” Yafai said. “I think that’s up in the air whether he plays next year. He definitely had a planned to play, and he definitely had a chance.”
Jacob Cantu has played football with Gutierrez since they were 7 years old. Word of the accident has shocked teammates, he said.
“He’s always been the good running back, like the star of our team,” he said. “Whoever plays football – it’s like we’re family. Everyone’s just shocked.”
Cantu tried to visit his friend Sunday after the accident, but was unable to see him.
“I just wanted to go up and show my support,” he said. “This just happened to another one of our friends a couple of months ago. Both times I went to visit them at the same hospital. It was weird.”
GHS Athletic Director and junior varsity football coach Jack Daley described Gutierrez as a hard-worker and good teammate.
“He encouraged them and they encouraged him,” he said.
Police are investigating why the Chevy Suburban Gutierrez was driving left the roadway.
He was not speeding. Tests performed by the Major Accident Investigation Team place him as driving within the speed limit. He was not believed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and he was wearing his seatbelt. There is no evidence that Gutierrez applied the brakes before the crash.
Police are looking into the possibility that he fell asleep at the wheel, said Sgt. Kurt Svardal. However, police have been unable to question him because of his medical condition.
Gilroy High School has not made any announcements to students regarding Gutierrez’ accident over the weekend. Yafai did not hear until Monday morning when students told him.
“We’ve been waiting to hear (about his condition),” Principal James Maxwell explained.
Initial reports the school received described recovery as “cautiously optimistic,” he said.
But fellow students and friends have faith that their classmate will return to school and the field in time.
“Our hearts go out to his family, we know he’ll make it,” said senior Jiana Escobar.
