Upland, CA – The Upland community and Pioneer Junior High are in mourning after a tragic hit-and-run incident claimed the life of 13-year-old student, Joshua Roberson. News of Joshua’s death, which occurred late Monday, reached the school on Tuesday, prompting immediate grief counseling and support for students, staff, and parents. As the community grapples with this loss, online platforms, including Reddit, have become spaces for discussion and remembrance, highlighting the profound impact of this event on the Pioneer Junior High community and beyond.
Principal Pam Chavira addressed the student body during fifth period on Tuesday, delivering the heartbreaking news of Joshua Roberson’s passing. In response to the shock and grief, Upland Junior High swiftly mobilized its counseling resources. On Wednesday, counselors and psychologists were readily available to provide support. Students were offered both individual and group counseling sessions, allowing them to process their emotions in a way that felt most comfortable. Principal Chavira noted the maturity of the students during this difficult time, stating, “On the whole, I would say they have been very mature.” This sentiment reflects the resilience of the Pioneer Junior High community in the face of tragedy. Counseling services extended beyond students, with provisions made for parents and teachers also affected by this devastating news.
The fatal accident occurred Monday night at the intersection of Campus Avenue and Arrow Highway. Joshua Roberson was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his mother, Crysteline Malone, 49, when their car was broadsided by a pickup truck. Tragically, Joshua succumbed to his injuries at the scene of the crash. His mother, Crysteline Malone, was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton for treatment. While the family has requested privacy regarding Malone’s condition, the community’s thoughts are undoubtedly with her as she recovers from her injuries and unimaginable loss.
Upland Police Department officers are actively investigating the hit-and-run. According to reports, the driver of the pickup truck fled the scene on foot immediately after the collision. However, law enforcement was able to quickly trace the vehicle to Kyle Bahensky, 21, of Ontario. Bahensky was apprehended at his home early Tuesday and subsequently arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run. Booking records from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department indicate Bahensky was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga but was released on bail Wednesday. Lt. Eleno Arriaga of the Upland Police Department stated that investigators are preparing to present their case to the District Attorney’s Office for review, potentially leading to further charges as the investigation unfolds and more details are uncovered about the circumstances of the crash, including the speed of the pickup truck at the time of impact. The collision’s force propelled the sedan carrying Joshua and his mother into a carport, causing a partial collapse and subsequent car fire, which was extinguished by responding police officers.
Joshua Roberson was remembered fondly at Upland Junior High. Principal Chavira, new to the school this academic year, shared that while she did not personally know Joshua, he was consistently described by staff as “a very friendly, very likable young man.” He was known for his habit of visiting his former teachers’ classrooms simply to say hello, a testament to his warm and engaging personality. As the youngest in his family, Joshua was also recognized as a bright and dedicated student, participating in the school’s after-school program, which offered homework assistance and enrichment activities. He had been eager to join the program and was thrilled to finally be enrolled this year. Despite Upland Junior High not having organized sports teams, Joshua was known for his love of basketball, further highlighting his active and engaging nature.
In the wake of this tragedy, students at Upland Junior High have approached Principal Chavira with a heartfelt desire to create a lasting memorial for Joshua. The idea of planting a tree on campus has been proposed as a meaningful way to remember their classmate. Principal Chavira has committed to exploring this possibility, engaging with the Upland Unified School District to understand the school’s policy on memorials and how best to honor Joshua’s memory. As the Upland community mourns, discussions online, potentially including platforms like Reddit, are likely reflecting the collective grief, remembrance, and search for support within the community. The tragic loss of Joshua Roberson serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in times of sorrow.
For further information, Monica Rodriguez can be contacted via email at [email protected] or by phone at 909-483-9336.
