Encinitas teen, 15, killed in e-bike crash described by family as high achiever and athlete

A 15-year-old boy died last week after he was struck by a van while riding an e-bike on a thoroughfare in Encinitas, authorities said Monday, June 26.

The crash occurred about 6 p.m. Thursday, June 22, on El Camino Real south of Encinitas Boulevard. The teen was headed north on the road when he changed lanes into the path of a cargo van, according to the county Sheriff’s Department.

After the crash, the teen was rushed to a hospital, where he died late Friday morning, June 23, according to the Sheriff’s Department and county Medical Examiner’s Office.

The office identified the teen as Brodee Braxton Champlain-Kingman.

A GoFundMe page set up to raise funds for his funeral described him as a loving son, brother, grandson and friend. By Tuesday morning, it had raised more than $36,000.

“Brodee was fiercely steadfast in his desire to excel academically, thrive socially and grind for those gains in the gym,” the page states. “Nothing was more striking than Brodee’s natural ability to connect with others and his sincere desire to reflectively grow in his relationships and life pursuits. He lived with grounded humility — always learning, always evolving.”

Brodee was a 9th grader at San Dieguito High School Academy.

“We are all saddened by this loss and understand that the death of a student impacts our entire school community,” the San Dieguito Union High School District said in a statement.

The district said administrators are in contact with Brodee’s family and will provide resources to help students and staff members cope with his death.

Sheriff’s officials said the driver was not hurt and talked to deputies. Investigators believe neither alcohol nor drugs were factors in the collision.

Anyone with information about the crash or cellphone or surveillance video of the incident was asked to call investigators at (760) 966-3500.