Days after a freak at a major intersection in San Bruno, family and friends have set up a makeshift memorial to pay tribute to their loved ones.
A cross, a teddy bear, Mexican candles and a growing collection of flowers now adorn a sidewalk corner at El Camino Real and Sneath Lane, where the two cousins died.
According to police, Gomez, 37, of South San Francisco and Picazo, 39, of San Bruno, were rear-ended on Saturday by a vehicle traveling east on Sneath Lane while they were apparently stopped at the light at El Camino Real. The driver who caused the crash also struck two other vehicles stopped at the intersection.
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Several others, including the driver who crashed into the vehicles, were taken to the hospital with injuries.
Details about the crash are still unknown as police continue to investigate the accident. But a friend who was placing flowers at the memorial today said Gomez and Picazo were just coming from a baptism at St. Bruno's Church when the crash happened.
Since the crash, friends and family have been leaving comments about the two cousins on Patch in remembrance. The following are some of those comments:
"Baldo was the coolest and funniest guy I've worked with. He would always invite me in for a few beers after work and sometimes I would stick around. We haven't worked together lately but when I'd see him in the morning at the shop I would tell him that I would stop by and hang out and he would say 'anytime, bro.' Anytime never came and now I wish I had knocked on his door sooner.
We'll miss you, Baldo! Thanks for being my friend while you were here." —George R
"My heart goes out to both the Gomez and Picazo family...I also grew up with Baldo & Nufo behind Tanforan Mall so many good memories in that neighborhood. My deepest Condolences to both families and to all of our San Bruno family this is a horrible loss. RIP Baldo & Nufo —Cherisse Bergeron
"Our condolences to these families for the departure of their loved ones, your sorrow is ours, we are praying for you! God bless you!
- Sincerely, Tacos Luis" (translated from Spanish) —Noe Estrada
"I didn't know Baldo or his cousin, but he was my Union brother and my heart goes out to their friends and family in the terrible time of loss and change. Godspeed." —John Davis
"My condolences to the Gomez and Picazo family.i grew up with both of them.you will always be in our hearts and in our prayers." —johnny Vega
"My heart and prayers goes out to Baldo and Nufo's family.... I can't believe this happened. I just saw Baldo at Malloys in SSF not too long ago we shared stories and I spoke to him about my new daughter that I just had. He gave me some great advice about being a first time parent and he loved his kids so much. We chopped it up about old times over some brews. I knew Baldo since grade school. He was such a good guy always smiling you'll be missed homie. This is truly a sad day.. All the Bruno heads will miss you guys both.. God bless and RIP." —Danny Ledesma
"I'm a bit older than Usbaldo, but we all grew up on the same block, many good memories, and I went to school with Arnulfo's older brother Arturo 'Doe-di', my heart is heavy as is many of us friends/bros from Pacific Ave., and family members. Friends and family, lets not forget to check on Melissa and their kids often through out the next years to come...Baldo lives thru them :)" —Fabian Mosqueda
"Both were my cousins. I am in shock.....we were all on our way to celebrate my nieces Baldos lil girls baptism n first bday celebration. They both will be missed terribly. I love you promise. My heart is broken in pieces. Que dios me los Bendiga" —Silvia Romero
"This horible news was just shared with me down here in SoCal. I grew up with Baldo living on the same block. So many memories going thru my head from Bell Air to Cap Baldo was always a good friend and a jokester. My prayers and heart go out to both families. Say sup to Jose for me Baldo until we meet again brother RIP" —Philip Estelita
"My heart goes out to both families. I grew up with both of them. I lived a few houses down from them. May both be with our heavenly father and may God be with both families. Truly sorry for your lost!
from the Loera Family" —Sonia Loera
Tony Rohatch.
Jaime Guzman
Omar and Shabina Hussein