In Burlingame, California, a beloved local restaurant, Truffle Poké Bar, has reopened its doors after a heartbreaking accident that claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy, Ayden Fang. The tragedy, which occurred when a car struck the child on the sidewalk outside the restaurant, left the community in mourning. Now, as the restaurant resumes operations, it’s channeling grief into action, hosting a fundraiser to honor Ayden and support his family’s push for pedestrian safety. Here’s the story of the incident, the community’s response, and the steps toward healing.
A Devastating Accident
The incident occurred on a Friday evening outside Truffle Poké Bar on Donnelly Avenue in downtown Burlingame. A 19-year-old woman driving a white sedan was pulling out of a parking lot when her vehicle was struck by an e-bike operated by an 11-year-old. According to Burlingame police, the collision caused the car to accelerate forward, jumping the curb and striking two children on the sidewalk. Ayden Fang, a 4-year-old described as a joyful boy who loved turtles and reading, was fatally injured. A 6-year-old girl was also hurt but sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is recovering at Stanford Hospital.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with screams and bystanders rushing to help. “People were scattered, yelling ‘Help, help,’” said Nick Hatzidakis of Daly City, who saw the aftermath. The driver, a San Mateo resident, stayed at the scene and cooperated with police, who ruled out drugs or alcohol as factors. The e-bike rider was not cited, as preliminary findings suggest the sedan pulled into their path. The tragedy, which closed the restaurant for over two weeks, left the tight-knit Burlingame community grappling with grief.
A Reopening with Purpose
Truffle Poké Bar reopened on a Wednesday, with the Fang family at the heart of its mission. The restaurant, a local favorite, transformed its reopening into a fundraiser for the family’s safety initiatives. Proceeds are supporting efforts to enhance pedestrian safety in Burlingame, a cause Ayden’s father has championed since the loss of his son. “The community is showing its strength,” said a restaurant spokesperson, noting the outpouring of support for the Fang family.
A growing memorial outside the restaurant, filled with flowers, stuffed animals, and chocolate chip muffins—Ayden’s favorite—has become a place of reflection. Community members, like Editha Dionisio, shared their heartbreak: “I stood here this morning, and tears just came down.” The fundraiser reflects Burlingame’s resolve to turn tragedy into action, honoring Ayden’s memory through tangible change.
A Father’s Call for Change
Ayden’s father has become a vocal advocate for pedestrian safety, urging the city to address risks on busy streets like Donnelly Avenue. “This could have been prevented,” he told NBC Bay Area, pointing to the need for better signage, barriers, or traffic calming measures. The community has rallied behind him, with vigils and donations pouring in to support the family. A GoFundMe page has raised significant funds to cover funeral costs and support Ayden’s loved ones, reflecting the community’s deep connection to the family.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about e-bike safety and urban planning. Some residents, like Cathy Murray, expressed concerns about e-bikes, calling them “out of control.” Others focused on the unpredictability of accidents, urging drivers and cyclists alike to exercise caution. Burlingame officials are reviewing safety measures, with potential changes to traffic patterns under consideration.
An Ongoing Investigation
The Burlingame Police Department, supported by a regional team of traffic accident experts, is still investigating the crash. No charges have been filed, as the driver’s cooperation and the e-bike’s role complicate the case. “Seemingly, the sedan pulled directly in the path of the e-bike,” said Lt. David Perna, but final conclusions await further analysis. Witnesses and video footage are being reviewed to piece together the sequence of events, with the community anxiously awaiting clarity.
Healing Through Unity
For Burlingame, the reopening of Truffle Poké Bar is more than a return to business—it’s a step toward healing. The fundraiser and memorial honor Ayden’s legacy, while the push for safety improvements aims to prevent future tragedies. The community’s response, from flowers to donations, shows a collective resolve to support the Fang family and ensure no other child suffers such a fate. As one resident put it, “Ayden’s smile will stay with us, and we’ll fight to make our streets safer for him.”
This tragedy has left a mark, but Burlingame’s unity offers hope. Through grief, the community is finding strength, turning a moment of loss into a call for change that echoes far beyond Donnelly Avenue.
