Terra Bella household mourns 12-year-old killed in suspected DUI crash

A 12-year-old California woman was killed by a suspected drunk driver simply 9 days earlier than her thirteenth birthday, her household mentioned.

Janessa Gonzalez of Terra Bella was attempting to cross Avenue 95 close to Terra Bella Elementary Faculty shortly earlier than 6 p.m. Monday when she was struck by 22-year-old Anthony Chavez-Valencia of Porterville, in keeping with the California Freeway Patrol.

Gonzalez was rushed to Sierra View Medical Heart, the place she died.

Officers consider Chavez-Valencia was drunk on the time of the crash.

Janessa was supposed to show 13 on Sept. 10

As an alternative, her household is now making ready to say goodbye to a woman they described as vivid, humorous and vigorous.

Her aunt, Jaylenne Juarez, launched a GoFundMe to assist the household cowl sudden bills following the woman’s loss of life.

“Our household skilled a heartbreak that no household ought to ever should endure,” Juarez wrote.

Janessa was the second oldest of six youngsters and had a persona her household mentioned might mild up a room.

“Janessa was vigorous, persona, and a lot love,” Juarez wrote.

She liked infants and often carried round her dolls, caring for them as if they have been her personal.

Her household additionally remembered Janessa as a fighter.

Medical doctors had instructed her mom that she would by no means stroll or speak, in keeping with the fundraiser.

“However Janessa didn’t pay attention. She confirmed them, she fought tougher than anybody might have imagined and did issues they mentioned she would by no means do.”

Now, the household is left with recollections of the milestones Janessa fought so laborious to succeed in.

“She ought to have been on the point of rejoice her thirteenth birthday, making recollections along with her household, and persevering with to develop into the gorgeous younger girl she was meant to develop into.”

As an alternative, her family members are mourning the lack of a daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and pal.

“There are such a lot of little issues about Janessa that our household will miss, the sound of her voice, her smile, her persona, and easily having her right here with us.”

The household is asking for monetary assist because it offers with the sudden prices of shedding Janessa and tries to deal with grieving.

“No household is ever ready to say goodbye to a toddler, particularly so out of the blue and so younger,” Juarez wrote.

Those that can’t donate are being requested to share the fundraiser and preserve the household of their prayers.

“Relaxation peacefully, Janessa. You’ll eternally be liked, eternally be missed, and eternally be part of our household. Till we meet once more.”

The California Put up reached out to the CHP for extra particulars.

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