NBC Los Angeles reports that a suspected DUI motorist recently claimed the lives of a beloved high school coach and his mother, leaving the two others critically injured and the Huntington Park Community in mourning.
Authorities say that the fatal crash happened at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Friday, September 1, at the intersection of Randolph Place and Maywood Avenue when a white SUV collided with the victims’ dark-colored sedan.
Alexis Salguero, who was working near the crash on Friday night, said that when he came outside, one of the vehicles involved was on fire.
“When I came outside… we saw the white SUV was on fire,” Salguero said.
Police and firefighters responded to the scene. A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson said that a man and a woman had died at the scene.
Paramedics rushed two additional passengers in the sedan to a nearby hospital in critical condition. The SUV driver was taken to the hospital with only minor injuries.
The male victim in the crash was a coach and alumni of the charter school Alliance Collins Family College-Ready High School. Those who knew him said that he and his mother were always encouraging and assisting others.
“They care for everybody they meet, and they were really strong, loving family, so it’s really sad to see that,” a relative told reporters.
The high school coach who was killed was also a newlywed and leaves behind a wife after just two months of marriage.
Police have not yet released the identity of the driver of the SUV. According to a statement, the driver was treated and arrested after it was determined he had been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the fatal crash.
On behalf of the attorneys and staff of our firm, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones and friends of the victims at this difficult time.
