How did Cerain Baker die? Comedian Tony Baker's son, 21, killed in California
Comedian Tony Baker has confirmed his 21-year-old son Cerain Baker died on August 3. The shocking death occurred after a deadly car crash in Burbank, California that also claimed the lives of 20-year-old Jaiden Johnson and 19-year-old Natalee Moghaddam. An unnamed fourth victim sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local trauma center, the Burbank police confirmed.
As America reopens after a year of being locked in, road accidents have skyrocketed, claiming hundreds of victims all over the US. In June, 'Gone Girl' actress Lisa Banes died after being struck by a scooter in New York City. In early August, Brian Boyd was arrested by the NYPD in connection to that incident. Along with Banes, a large number of other celebrities like podcaster Mathew George have died in road accidents this year.
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The tragic death of Cerain has shocked the family with Tony revealing "We get waves of grief. We sob uncontrollably. Then it's back to regular conversation." He also insisted that "it feels like it's not real."
“My heart goes out to Jaiden & Natalee’s families as well,” Tony shared on social media. “For those that were at the vigil on Wednesday nite, you know that I was howling, crying one minute then crackin jokes the next. Thank You All. And I‘m soo sorry that yall are sad too.”
“Myself and My Family are overwhelmed with the love and care from friends, fans and complete strangers. I FEEL the love,” he wrote. “I see the text messages and some of the DMs and just want you all to know that it’s appreciated. I know I am not alone, and we are blessed to have soo many people to lean on, cling to and call. I loved that boy sooo much.” Here's everything we know about the tragic death of Cerain.
How did Cerain Baker die?
According to reports, Cerain was killed as a result of a car crash, that occurred due to a street race. Cerain and his friends were in a silver Volkswagen, which was hit by two other vehicles, a grey Kia and a black Mercedes-Benz. Police say the Kia and Benz were moving "at a high rate of speed and appeared to be racing." Surveillance footage proves that the two were racing in a 35mph zone at the intersection of Glenoaks Boulevard and Andover Drive.
"When police officers and paramedics arrived, they located three individuals who had been ejected from a silver Volkswagen," Burbank PD said and added the occupants were killed from "multiple blunt force injuries." The occupants of the Mercedes walked away uninjured while the driver of the Kia "sustained serious injuries." Photos from the scene show Cerain's car in pieces, with the entire back half missing. "I haven’t seen anything like this, personally, not to this magnitude and this level of debris over a two-city block span," Burbank Police Sergeant Emil Brimway said.
An investigation into the crash is still ongoing and charges are yet to be filed. Police have not identified the others involved in the incident. On August 4, the location became a venue for a vigil by friends of Cerain, Johnson and Moghaddam. Before his death, Creain was a former football player and an aspiring musician. Reportedly, he and Johnson had plans of breaking into the music industry but unfortunately, that dream will now remain unfulfilled.
"He was the sweetest person I ever encountered. He was always smiling. Every person he met he impacted. It's going to be crazy to live without him, but I know he'd want us all to be happy and keep working hard," Cerain's girlfriend Amanda Camacho said. Cherie Whitehead, Cerain's mother said, "Anyone who met him could tell you, we called him the Mayor of Burbank growing up. He could hold a conversation with you." Tributes have also poured in for the victims on social media. Amid the tragic time, Tony managed to find a bit of light, posting "I want you to know it's 'sorry for your loss' not lost" on Instagram.