Remembering Nathan Strube

Jacob Azevedo enjoyed riding scooters, bicycles and longboards with his neighbor and childhood friend, Nathan Strube.

The two grew up together on Canton Avenue.

"He was a very nice kid who loved working on cars," Jacob said Wednesday at his home.

Jacob also described his friend as a talented wrestler at school and a very smart student.

Jacob's parents decided to keep him out of school a day after a .

Jacob, 12, was longboarding with Nathan that late afternoon and witnessed the fatal collision. His parents said the student has had a difficult time sleeping and woke up several times last night. Jacob will also receive counseling to help deal with the tragic loss of his friend.

"To witness something like that even as an adult is devastating," said Manuel Azevedo, Jacob's father. "I can only imagine (what he's going through)."

Jacob said the two were longboarding around town when Nathan decided to go down a hill on Kara Place.

"He went down the hill and turned left, and then I saw him fly back to the right," Jacob said. "I hoped it was somebody else, but it wasn't."

Jacob, who was at the top of the hill, got off his longboard, ran to help his friend and screamed for help.

"I saw stuff you don’t want to see," Jacob said. "I thought it was a dream. I thought it was just something in my mind because I never saw anyone get hit like that."

Meanwhile, the news of Nathan's passing has rocked the Livermore community. A memorial of signs, candles and flowers have been placed at a sidewalk near the collision site on Lomitas Avenue and Kara Place.

Superintendent Kelly Bowers provided the following statement:

It is with indescribable sadness that we have been informed of last evening's fatal accident involving one of our students, the child of one of our staff members. No words can express our sadness and grief at this tragic news. Our hearts go out to this young man's family, friends, and the entire school community. We are all understandably grieving. Our District has mobilized crisis support teams for both staff and students who are affected by this devastating loss. This is a somber reminder of just how precious life is and we take this time to ask for your continued assistance and commitment to keeping our young people safe and sound, in our schools as well as throughout our city.

Friends have shared their memories of Nathan in the comments section of our coverage and on our Facebook page:

Nate was the funniest kid ever, I moved to discovery bay last year, and in 6th grade i got to know nate really well, he was such a cool kid, R.I.P. Bud —

Nathan has been my next door neighbor my entire life. I am only a few months older than him, and have know him ever since he was born. My family is very close with his family. When we were little, we were practically siblings. He had many talents and was good a skateboarding and scootering. He was also very good at fixing cars. He was very kind and sweet to all the younger children on our block. A few ours ago, Nathan Strube was skateboarding and was hit by a truck. A while later, he passed away due to severe injuries from the accident. I will miss him terribly. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. —Zoey

Neighbors and family friends are working to raise funds to help Nathan's father, Sam Strube, finish a car project the two started earlier this year. We'll provide more details on the memorial and how residents can contribute soon so be sure to check Livermore Patch for more updates.

Share your memories of Nathan in the comments section below.