Police have identified the teenagers killed in a shooting at a California beach early Monday morning.
One of the victims has been named as Nathaniel Flores, 13, a football player for the Steinbeck Tigers Youth Football team, according to a GoFundMe launched by the organization.
“It is with profound sadness that the Steinbeck Tigers Youth Football & Cheer organization mourns the heartbreaking loss of one of our own, Nathaniel ‘Nate’ Flores,” reads a tribute on the fundraiser page.
“His unexpected passing has left his family, teammates, coaches, and our entire Steinbeck community heartbroken.”
The fundraiser had collected more than $4,500 by Tuesday afternoon toward its $26,000 goal.
The money will help cover “funeral and memorial expenses and provide financial support as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
“While nothing can take away the pain of losing Nate, we hope to ease some of the burdens his family now faces and remind them that they are surrounded by a community that cares,” reads the GoFundMe.
The second victim was identified as Marco Antonio Perez, 15, of Salinas.
The two victims of the shooting near Moss Landing were confirmed by Monterey County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
Two others were injured in the incident which took place at a beach party on the state beach.
Both boys were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third victim was taken to a local hospital. The fourth victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Photos from the scene showed red plastic cups and other trash scattered across the sand following the gathering over Halloween weekend.
During a press conference Monday, authorities did not disclose a possible motive, identify any suspects or say whether the victims knew one another.
The California Post has reached out to the sheriff’s office for further comment.
Monterey County Sheriff’s Cmdr. Andy Rosas said Monday that investigators had no information about a suspect but assured residents there was no ongoing threat to the community.
He said deputies responded to Jetty Road near State Route 1, roughly halfway between Monterey and Santa Cruz.
North County Fire Protection Chief Jess Cortez told KTVU Monday that both victims who died had suffered gunshot wounds to the chest.
Authorities cleared the scene around 2:40 a.m., the outlet reported.
In a statement Monday, the sheriff’s office said: “Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Detectives are currently on scene of a shooting that occurred just after midnight on November 2, 2026, along Jetty Road in Moss Landing.
“There are multiple fatalities and casualties confirmed. California State Parks Police have closed Jetty Road and Moss Landing State Beach at the request of the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.”
The California Post reached out to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office for details on a possible motive or suspect. Sheriff’s spokesperson Andres Rosas stated that the agency’s latest release only identified the deceased and that “there is no additional information at this time.”
In a letter to district families, Superintendent for the Salinas Union High School District, Dr. Zandra Jo Galvan wrote about the shooting.
The teenage boys were reportedly students at the school district.
“Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all those whose lives have been touched by this devastating loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the families as they navigate an unimaginable time of grief,” Galvan said in part.
State Sen. John Laird also issued a statement about the shooting.
“Over the weekend, there were numerous reports of shooting deaths across the country. This unspeakable horror has also hit home on the Central Coast, with reports of multiple fatalities just after midnight today in Moss Landing,” he said. “The pain and suffering of all those impacted is impossible to measure, and my heart goes out to everyone.”
Assemblymember Dawn Addis also commented on the shooting.
“My heart is with those who are affected by this heinous violence. We must continue to work to end gun violence, and I am committed to doing so,” he said. “As the family and our community mourn, I thank the Monterey County Sheriff and all who responded at this time of need. Our team has been in contact with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and are here to help.”
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