VIDOR, Texas — A heartbroken Vidor family is mourning the loss of an enthusiastic 14-year-old boy who they said could put a smile on anyone's face.
John Castilaw Jr. spoke to his son, John Castilaw III, Saturday. The teenager was spending the weekend at his friend's house.
"I messaged him, 'Hey, I'm cooking lobster today. Are you ready to come home,'" John Castilaw Jr. said. "He had messaged me back and said, 'No dad. I think I want to stay one more day.' I said, 'Alright. I love you.'"
Sadly, that would be the last time the father spoke to his son. John Castilaw III died in an early Sunday morning wreck that happened just south of Vidor.
"I learned when the troopers came to my door," John Castilaw Jr., father of John Castilaw III, said. "When I opened it and saw them, they had his backpack in their hands. I was hoping that it was just that he got in trouble, but when I didn't see him it just kind of set in."
After seeing the teen's belongings with the troopers, the family knew something had gone wrong.
"It was a shock," Cynthia Castilaw, John Castilaw III's grandmother, said. "I just started screaming, 'No. No. No. It didn't happen.'"
It happened shortly before 2 a.m. A Dodge Journey was driving north on Concord Street when the driver lost control and traveled off the roadway.
After leaving the road, the Dodge hit a utility pole and an RV. John Castilaw III and 15-year-old Blake Post were in the Dodge and both died.
John Castilaw III was the second oldest of eight siblings. His family gathered at his grandparent's home, which is less than 10 minutes from where he died, to relive memories of "Johnny."
The family described the teen as one of the funniest guys anyone could meet. They said they will miss his playful personality.
"When you fell asleep on the couch and he scared you," Cynthia Castilaw said. "I was sleeping on the couch. He made some kind of noise. It woke me up, and he's done that to me I don't know how many times."
John Castilaw III loved to hunt and fish. He also loved music.
"He was my grandson," John Castilaw, the teenager's grandfather, said. "I loved him. He loved me. He loved hunting and fishing. He was just an all-around kid."
The Castilaw's believe the holidays will be much quieter without their loved on. They are encouraging other families to love on one another whenever they get the chance.
"Just always cherish every moment with them, give hugs whenever possible, always remember to say I love you," Cynthia Castilaw said.
As the family deals with the loss, they have found some sense of comfort.
"I feel comfort in knowing my son reached so many that could enjoy his fun and jokes," John Castilaw Jr. said.
The father said he knows his son is enjoying heaven.
"May he rest in peace, and may all who knew him have comfort in this time. I love you my son," John Castilaw Jr. said. "Johnny will forever be with me."
Family mourning loss of 14-year-old John Castilaw III
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