Manteca, CA – According to KCRA with additional reporting from ABC10, a fatal minivan crash in San Joaquin County has left the community grappling with four devastating deaths, including an infant and a child. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, April 13, 2024, also left three other children battling major injuries, and a 17-year-old Natalie Negrete with the responsibility of her younger siblings’ care.
Those lost in this heart-wrenching tragedy have been identified as:
- 4-month-old David Negrete Guerrero
- 12-year-old Jorge Negrete Guerrero
- 40-year-old Liliana Guerrero Mendoza
- 44-year-old Arriaga Bonifacio Negrete
All were residents of Livermore, CA.
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) provided details of the crash, stating that it occurred around 10:07 PM on State Route 120, west of Highway 99 near Manteca.
A family of seven — two adults and five children — was returning to Livermore in a Toyota minivan after attending a quinceañera. Investigations indicate that the Toyota was traveling at a speed of 60 to 65 mph on the wet roadway when the driver lost control, leading to the minivan hitting the center median, striking the Van Ryn Avenue overpass, overturning and catching fire.
Responding to the chaos of the crash, a group of about 20 good Samaritans rushed to the scene to assist in rescuing the surviving children from the blazing wreckage. Sgt. Andra Stockwell of the CHP commended the heroic efforts of these individuals, noting that their quick thinking and bravery saved three precious lives. Paramedics swiftly transported a 14-year-old girl, a 9-year-old boy, and a 7-year-old girl to nearby UC Davis Medical Center for urgent medical care.
The circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, remain under investigation by CHP.
Meanwhile, the family of the victims is navigating a harrowing journey of grief and recovery. Natalie Negrete, the eldest child at 17, was feeling unwell that night and so stayed home from the quinceañera. She now finds herself shouldering the responsibility of caring for her three siblings in the hospital with the support of extended family. Reflecting on the tragedy, Natalie expressed her disbelief and immense sorrow, and spoke of her father’s unwavering love and dedication to his family.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with funeral expenses and fulfill the parents’ wish of being laid to rest in Mexico.
Liability in Solo-Vehicle Crashes
The shock of a devastating vehicular accident like the one described above can leave people scrambling for answers and quick to point the finger of blame. This makes it all the more important to remember that news sources are only able to report the information shared by legal authorities, who themselves may have an incomplete understanding of the facts of the case. No statements made by journalists should be considered to reflect legal liability.
A family struggling to recover from such a catastrophe may find comfort in the assistance of a capable personal injury attorney who can assist survivors and grieving family members by examining the facts of the case to help determine if those injured or killed may be due compensation.
While no amount of money can heal the pain that comes from such a great loss, the sudden and unexpected death of loved ones can leave a heavy financial burden in the form of medical expenses, burial fees, and the loss of income to support dependents of the deceased.
