Prosecutors say the father faces a felony child endangerment count, and the mother faces a misdemeanor child endangerment count, according to the Orange County District Attorney's office.
Garden Grove, CA - October 20, 2026
Both parents of a 13-year-old boy who died after his electric motorcycle crashed in Garden Grove have been charged, the Orange County District Attorney's office told NBC Los Angeles. The boy, Benson Nguyen of Santa Ana, died in a crash reported before 10 p.m. on May 11, 2026, near Magnolia Street and Larson Avenue.
Key Facts
- Date: Crash occurred before 10 p.m. on May 11, 2026; first reported October 20, 2026
- Location: Garden Grove, Orange County, California; near Magnolia Street and Larson Avenue
- Type of crash: Electric motorcycle crash
- Vehicles involved: One electric motorcycle
- Injuries / fatalities: One fatality (13-year-old rider); multiple injuries reported
- Responding agencies: Police; Orange County District Attorney's office (charges)
- Reported by: NBC Los Angeles
Crash Overview
Police said the boy's electric motorcycle crashed into the center median near Magnolia Street and Larson Avenue. Orange County officials said he was traveling about 40 miles per hour when he struck a light pole. The reports differ on what the motorcycle hit, and few other details of the crash have been published.
According to police, the teen was transported to a medical facility, and he later passed away from the injuries he sustained. A bystander who pulled over described the force of the collision as severe, adding that he loosened the teen's helmet strap so the boy could breathe more easily.
On Tuesday, the Orange County District Attorney's office told NBC Los Angeles that the parents had been charged. The reports do not describe any further court proceedings.
People Involved
- Benson Nguyen, 13, of Santa Ana, died after the crash.
- Vu Thanh Nguyen, 56, of Santa Ana, the boy's father, faces a felony child endangerment charge and a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
- Hong Cuc Thi Nguyen, 49, of Santa Ana, the boy's mother, was charged with one misdemeanor count of child endangerment.