A 15-year-old high school student died Saturday morning after the vehicle he was driving crashed into a Fresno County canal. The circumstances surrounding the crash have left his family searching for answers.

The victim, identified by the Fresno County Coroner’s Office as Luis Hernandez of Tranquillity, was a student at Tranquillity High School. He was preparing to enter his sophomore year.

The California Highway Patrol believes Hernandez lost control of the vehicle while navigating a left-hand curve on James Road, causing it to veer off the road and into the canal. A passerby spotted the vehicle's wheels protruding from the water and alerted authorities.

Authorities pronounced Hernandez dead at the scene. It remains unclear how long he had been submerged in the vehicle before it was discovered. The family stated that Hernandez was driving alone in a car that did not belong to him and that he did not possess a driver's permit, noting these actions were out of character for the teen.

"We are wondering too, what had happened? That was not him," his aunt, Maricela, told ABC30. "Nobody knew where he was going because that was not him. He was not a troublemaker; he would never do stuff like that, like just taking off."

Family members described Hernandez as a dedicated student and soccer player with aspirations for his future. "It makes me feel really sad because he was a young man. If anything, sadness comes to me because we had many plans," Maricela said. "He wanted to be someone. He didn’t know what he wanted to do as far as his career, but he wanted to be someone."

Loved ones also remembered Hernandez as a quiet, family-oriented individual who was always willing to help at home. They shared that he cherished spending time with his younger siblings and was well-liked by his friends, many of whom have visited the family’s home to offer support.

"I want them to know he had a kind heart. We love him very much," Marciela added.

The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Hernandez’s family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses, and a memorial has been established near the crash site.