Serene Valenzuela, 6; James Valle, 15; and Jezzy Valle, 17, die in fatal Madera County crash
Fatal Madera County crash death of Serene Valenzuela, James Valle and Jezzy Valle
Three teenagers and a young child have been confirmed dead following a traffic collision in Madera County. The incident occurred when a minivan, carrying the three Valle family members, disregarded a traffic signal and collided with a large truck. The victims are Serene Valenzuela, aged six, James Valle, fifteen, and Jezzy Valle, seventeen.
Their relative, Benny Ramirez Jr., described the siblings as vibrant and joyful. Ramirez noted their cheerful demeanor and constant presence of smiles.
The accident transpired at the intersection of Avenue 7 and Road 24. A makeshift memorial with flowers and inflatables marks the spot today. According to the California Highway Patrol, the minivan was driven by a woman, forty-eight years old, who was accompanied by her three children and her mother-in-law. She failed to stop at the designated point and was subsequently hit by a commercial truck. Neither alcohol nor drug influence is suspected by authorities.
Ramirez shared that his cousin, the driver, was a single parent dedicated exclusively to her children. “Everything she did revolved around the kids since she was on her own. Her entire focus was on ensuring they were safe and well cared for,” Ramirez explained.
The family had departed Ramirez’s nearby residence just shortly before the accident occurred. “A loud noise was heard, we rushed out to investigate and found out they’d been in a serious accident,” he recounted.
The law enforcement agency reported that the three children were secured with seatbelts, but incorrectly fastened, with the belts positioned only across their laps. A CHP officer emphasized the importance of correct seatbelt use, stating, “As a driver, your attention must be on the road and you are accountable for the safety of everyone in the vehicle. Proper seatbelt usage is essential, particularly for younger passengers.”
While both the minivan driver and the grandmother sustained injuries, they are anticipated to recover. Ramirez has voiced concerns about the intersection’s safety, highlighting the absence of adequate advance warning signs. “There are no warning signs beforehand indicating a stop until you reach the stop sign itself,” he pointed out.
To assist with the aftermath, the family has initiated a fundraising effort through a GoFundMe page.
