A California neighborhood is reeling after a catastrophic crash claimed the lives of 5 younger individuals and left a sixth sufferer combating for survival earlier than finally succumbing to her accidents.
Relations revealed that the lady they affectionately referred to as Ava was taken to a hospital following the crash, the place she fought for her life within the days that adopted.
“Regardless of the efforts of her medical staff and the prayers of those that cherished her, she sadly handed away, forsaking a household and neighborhood whose lives won’t ever be the identical,” kin mentioned.
The tragedy has shaken Santa Maria, the place a rising memorial now marks the crash website.
Flowers, candles, pictures, balloons, stuffed animals and even liquor bottles have been left on the intersection as residents collect to grieve and keep in mind the victims.
The lethal collision unfolded early Sunday in Santa Maria when a automobile touring at excessive velocity slammed right into a site visitors pole on the intersection of South Broadway and Miller Avenue.
Authorities mentioned the precise trigger stays beneath investigation, although proof recovered on the scene factors to doable DUI involvement.
The victims had been recognized by the Santa Maria Police Division as Nicolas Munoz-Gautreaux, 17; Jennifer Gutierrez, 19; Guendi Beatrice Gamez Escalante, 16; ‘Ava’ Yusbeli Diaz Galvez, 17; and Isabella Star Vigil, 16.
Police initially mentioned Aurelio Calixtro Matias, 24, was the lone survivor and remained hospitalized in vital situation.
Dozens attended a candlelight vigil Tuesday night on the memorial.
The gathering was later dispersed by legislation enforcement after some attendees set off fireworks.
For a lot of, the loss feels deeply private.
Amongst them is Reyna Vaca, who mentioned she had seen Munoz-Gautreaux solely hours earlier than the crash at a commencement social gathering.
“He was simply actually, like, actually comfortable. We had been standing in a bunch, speaking and laughing,” Vaca informed the Santa Maria Occasions.
“It’s simply so unreal, particularly being with somebody like hours earlier than they move away.”
The influence of the crash additionally reached the native authorities.
Throughout Tuesday’s Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors assembly, Board Chair Bob Nelson opened proceedings with a second of silence for the victims.
Nelson’s Fourth District contains a lot of Santa Maria.
“It’s a sobering reminder of the fragility of life,” Nelson mentioned. “They’re youth in our neighborhood. And I simply wish to take a second of silence of their reminiscence. And our ideas and prayers are with their households and buddies.”
Because the neighborhood mourns, native organizations are shifting focus towards stopping one other tragedy.
An emergency coalition assembly was scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday at Vida Church in Santa Maria.
In response to Gabi Delgado of Combating Again Santa Maria Valley, the session will convey collectively legislation enforcement officers, medical suppliers, nonprofit teams and different neighborhood leaders to debate the crash and doable options.
“Sadly, it’s actually tragic that we’re assembly on this event,” mentioned Delgado. “However I believe this poses a possibility for us to assist ensure that our neighborhood doesn’t face this kind of harm once more, that one other member of the family is in feeling this ache.”
“Change isn’t going to occur instantly. It’s going to take time to develop a method and completely different prevention efforts, however our neighborhood is so robust, and that’s such a fantastic worth that Santa Maria has. I’m assured that going ahead, continuously assembly with our neighborhood companions, we are able to be taught from this and assist the Metropolis of Santa Maria.”
In the meantime, Santa Maria police mentioned the investigation stays ongoing as authorities proceed working to find out precisely what led to the devastating crash.
Verified GoFundMe campaigns have been established for Yusbeli Diaz Galvez, Isabella Star Vigil, Nicolas Munoz-Gautreaux, Guendi Beatrice Gamez Escalante and Jennifer Gutierrez.
