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SARATOGA SPRINGS — It has been an emotional and tragic time in Saratoga Springs for family and friends of a 16-year-old boy who was killed in a car crash along Redwood Road.
Police said Ammon Blake was traveling northbound on Redwood Road on Tuesday afternoon and was turning on West Harvest Hills when he was hit by a car that ran a red light.
Police also said the 28-year-old driver in that car may have been in a road rage incident just moments before.
"Elevated speeds and also some erratic driving. There's one probable situation where he did give a gesture to another car," said Assistant Chief Bill Robertson with the Saratoga Springs Police Department. "We've had over the last several weeks several road rage incidents where we've had to write citations and make arrests. It's not worth it. Please don't let the emotions get the better of you. It never ends well in those situations."
The 28-year-old driver did survive the crash and is in the hospital in stable condition, according to police.
They said charges were pending while the investigation continues.
KSL-TV was at the Blake home when the Westlake High School track team showed up with balloons and flowers.
Ammon's teammates couldn't hold back the tears as they embraced the family.
"Really sad and heartbroken about it," said a tearful Ari James. "He was one of the kindest people you would ever meet. If he saw you sitting alone, he would come sit next to you and make you feel like his best friend."
Emotions running high in @saratogasprngut where family and friends are remembering 16yr old Ammon Blake. Tragically killed by a car that ran a red light. Police are investigating road rage. @KSL5TV at 6 pic.twitter.com/3LIive6gjO
— Dan Rascon (@TVDanRascon) May 26, 2021
"He was so happy all the time. I never saw him upset. That just rubbed off on everybody," said an emotional Elias Gerald. "I'm going to miss him a lot."
"Hard to believe that he was just gone like that," said friend Chase Durham.
"He always had a smile and I'm going to really miss him," said Kale Pontius.
Ammon's parents said they just can't believe their son, who is one of seven kids, is really gone.
"Just got a phone call. It's every parent's worst nightmare," said Shanda Blake, Ammon's mother. "Such a great kid. He had such a big heart. He would do anything for anybody."
"I know it's cliché to say, but Ammon was the perfect son. He was the best son parents could ever ask for. He was intelligent, he was active, he was the sweetest kid," said Chandler Blake, Ammon's father.
Chandler said it was hard to hear how his son died.
"We all do stupid things on the road, and hopefully, that's a wake-up call to everyone to slow down and obey the laws," he said.
The Blakes said the outpouring of love from family, friends and the community has held them together. It's also their faith in God that is pulling them through.
"Just peace and knowledge that families are forever," said Shanda. "I have to have faith that I will see him again and that's what keeps me going."
A GoFundMe* account has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.
*KSL does not assure that the money deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisers and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
