Fund Set Up for Boy Who Lost Mother

A 13-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita boy whose mother was killed in a car crash several days ago is the beneficiary of a savings account opened in his name Friday.

Laguna Niguel piano teacher Aleli Tibay opened the account for student Kyle Barrowman after learning that he had been in his mother’s car when it was hit broadside late Tuesday by an alleged drunk driver.

Constance P. Barrowman, 50, was driving home with her son and two German friends on their honeymoon minutes before midnight Tuesday. As she was turning left onto Santa Margarita Parkway from Melinda Road, police said her car was hit by Christopher Bloom, 18, of Lake Forest. Police said Bloom ran a red light and that a blood test showed his blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit.

Barrowman was killed instantly. Her son and the other passengers escaped with minor injuries. Bloom was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and felony drunk driving. He was being held at Orange County Jail.

Kyle called Tibay at home Wednesday morning and left a message saying he wouldn’t make his 10:30 a.m. piano lesson because his mother had died.

Tibay said she did not hear the message until later. She immediately drove to his home and joined the grieving family and friends. Tibay said she brought along her 14-year-old son, who is Kyle’s friend.

“He’s in shock,” Tibay said Friday. “He had fallen asleep in the car and when he woke up, his mother was dead. He cried a lot that night.”

Tibay said she met the family eight years ago when Kyle and his mother visited her in search of a piano teacher.

“On their way out, this little 5-year-old said, ‘She’s the one,’ ” Tibay said. “Through the years, we’ve become so close. My son and Kyle are so alike. Connie would take them to the beach and movies while I taught, and when we went skiing, Kyle was always with us.”

The money in the account at Washington Mutual Bank will provide for some of Kyle’s necessities.

Checks should be made out to Kyle Barrowman and to account number 294-6030901. The bank is at 30202 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel, CA 92677. Information: Dawn Caddel, assistant bank manager, at (949) 495-0850.