Thursday, March 16, 2017 3
Coastal View News • Tel: (805) 684-4428
Community mourns tragic death of teen By Lea Boyd
The sudden death of Carpinteria High School senior Filiberto “Fili” Hernandez rocked the close-knit community of Carpinteria this week. Hernandez went missing on the night of March 12, and his body was discovered at the base of the cliffs near the Carpinteria seal rookery on the morning of March 13. The cause of death remains under investigation, but foul play has been ruled out. Described by peers as friendly and funny, Hernandez attended local schools since kindergarten. Acting Superintendent Jamie Persoon said he was, “a great student and much beloved by his friends and staff alike.” In response to the tragedy, CHS hosted a candlelight vigil on the night of March 14, where over 150 friends and family gathered to remember Hernandez. Candles glowed in the swirling fog as student Daryanna Lancet played the violin for the somber audience. Several speakers shared funny memories and voiced their love for the teen. “Fili (Hernandez) would be honored tonight. Fili is honored tonight,” said his mother, Gin Butterfield, who fought through tears to thank the crowd for being there and for being part of her son’s life.
Candi Burquez said that Hernandez was like a third son to her; he grew up with her two boys, spending countless nights at the Burquez house. “I never heard him say anything negative about anyone—ever,” Candi said. Alec Burquez, 19, told Coastal View News that Hernandez was like a brother to him. They shared an obsession with the television show “Game of Thrones” and loved playing video games together. Hernandez was a devoted fan of video games, and Alec said that his passion would have led him to a career in the industry. He was also described by peers and teachers as a smart and serious student. His quick wit was noted by several friends, and Alec said his open heart was another defining characteristic. When Alec learned through his father of Hernandez’s death on March 14, he said, “It felt like a knife had hit me in the gut and twisted.” CHS provided a center for counseling and mental health services in the library this week and held a whole-school assembly on Tuesday with a message emphasizing the importance of supporting one another and being a community in this time of grief. Parents were notified and given resources for assistance in grief. Services will be available to students and staff on an ongoing basis.
Developing stories.
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Filiberto “Fili” Hernandez’s photo at the entrance to a candlelight vigil held at CHS on March 14 shows a smiling teen in the prime of youth.
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