EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Funeral services will be held for the 14-year-old boy with autism who was struck and killed by an SUV on U.S. 54 last month.
Joseph Nathanial Caraballo’s family said in a social media post that all those who have been touched by his story are invited to pay their respects and “show love to this beautiful boy who meant so much to so many” this weekend.
Viewing dates for Caraballo will be this Saturday Oct. 11, and Sunday, Oct. 12 from 2 p.m. through 8 p.m. at the Funeraria del Angel Central at 3839 Montana Ave.
“Joey was a bright, loving child with level 3 autism whose life was tragically cut short after he eloped from school and was found miles way. His story touched hearts across El Paso and beyond, reminding us how deeply every child’s safety matters,” the social media post read.
As KTSM 9 News previously reported, Caraballo was an EPISD student and had a history of eloping, a behavior that is common in some autistic children.
He was struck and killed by an SUV on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at U.S. 54 between Fred Wilson and Spur 601.
Family members allege that Caraballo ran away from his high school, marking the third escape since school began in August. They added that during a previous incident, he was missing for seven hours.
Just a week before the incident, the family met with the school’s special education teachers to discuss a safety plan to prevent Joseph’s escape.
Caraballo’s sister mentioned that school staff had discussed strategies such as keeping Joseph’s desk furthest from the door and having a designated person to supervise him at all times.
The family is demanding answers from the school and district officials on how Joseph was able to escape for a third time, despite discussions about a safety plan.
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