Missing Berkeley student was killed trying to cross the freeway

Eloi Vasquez, a visiting Berkeley freshman reported missing after leaving a fraternity party near USC early Sunday morning, has been identified as the pedestrian killed while trying to cross Interstate 10 near the Vermont Avenue exit. Vasquez was struck about 2:30 a.m. by a car traveling 60 miles an hour. He had earlier left the party at the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity house on West 28th Street, saying he might head to the beach. He called a friend and told her he was lost and afraid. He had no money or identification on him.

The driver who hit Vasquez, 19, in the dark was not injured.

Vasquez was a midfielder on the Cal men's soccer team. In Berkeley today, head soccer coach Kevin Grimes spoke at an afternoon news conference. “I really loved Eloi, and I know our teammates did too,” Grimes said. “We’re grieving pretty hard right now. We’re in deep shock.”

Today we lost a beloved member of the #CalFamily, Eloi Vasquez. We send thoughts & prayers to his family & friends. pic.twitter.com/Pq0VAEanJU

— Cal Bears (@CalAthletics) March 30, 2015

While Vasquez was still missing, star players such as Alex Morgan of the U.S. women's national team asked for help in finding him.

Everyone help find missing @CalAthletics Soccer Player Eloi Vasquez. Went missing in LA, please let's bring him home. pic.twitter.com/lz8xh4xy1T

— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) March 30, 2015