Font ResizeHAYWARD — Relatives and friends described Roman Blanson as a precocious 12-year-old Hayward with a "deep little voice," whose passion for entertainment and athletics fueled hopes of careers in acting and professional sports.
Roman's dreams ended abruptly July 15 when he died at Children's Hospital Oakland from injuries suffered days earlier during a near-drowning incident in a Castro Valley lagoon.
All indications point to an accident at Cull Canyon Regional Recreation Area on July 12, but the case remains under investigation, Sgt. Dale Davidson of the East Bay Regional Park District police said.
Roman is survived by his father Robert Blanson, mother Cathy McDonald, stepmother Barbara Esquivel and two teenage half-sisters.
"It's been very difficult," Esquivel said. "He was one child in this world who really made his mark in such a short life. He had a bright future ahead of him, and it's so sad he won't be able to fulfill it."
Roman graduated from John Muir Elementary School last month and was taking summer classes at Harder Elementary School before starting at Bret Harte Middle School this fall.
Esquivel said Roman was an excellent student whose maturity and respect for teachers stood out.
"He was 12 going on 21," Esquivel said. Funeral services for Roman will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at 541 Grove St. in the House of Jacob Supreme Council in Richmond, Esquivel said.
Roman's family is asking for help
Gideon Rubin can be reached at 510-293-2469 or grubin@bayareanewsgroup.com.
