Editor's note: The name and image of Jessie Ulibas are published with permission from his mother.
Jessie Ulibas liked riding fixed-gear bikes. The 16-year-old would go out riding with his brother and friends.
During the summer, he worked a part-time job at CVS/pharmacy that ended when he returned to high school for his junior year. In his second week of school, tragedy struck.
On Wednesday just before midnight, police responded to an emergency call and arrived at his home to find him unconscious, according to a statement. Officers and paramedics were unable to revive him. The police department has not disclosed the cause of death.
"I was hanging out with him the whole day, and he seemed fine," said his older brother, Brylle Ulibas, who graduated last year from Milpitas High.
"I can't believe it," said his mother, Aurea Ulibas.
On Thursday, many relatives and friends gathered at the house to remember Jessie. They held a collective prayer in the afternoon.
A Catholic, he had been confirmed at St. Elizabeth's Church earlier this year, on May 7.
Some students at Milpitas High campus plan to wear black Friday in memory of their classmate.
The Ulibas family moved to Milpitas from the city of Santa Clara in 2003.
Jessie was the second of four children. He is survived by his parents, two brothers and a younger sister.
The memorial service is being arranged at the Lima Family Mortuary in Fremont. Plans will be announced soon. The service will be open to the public.
To help defray costs of the memorial service and arrangements, members of the public may send a monetary donation to the family.
Checks may be made in the name of: Aurea Ulibas, 365 Carnegie Dr., Milpitas 95305.
