A man from California faces multiple felony charges following a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of a mother and her two children. Hendrix Arcadio Collado, 43, is charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, along with two counts of reckless driving causing specified injury. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges in a court appearance on August 5.
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The fatal crash occurred shortly before midnight on July 29 at the intersection of Yucca Loma Road and Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. According to reports from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Collado was driving a 2015 Dodge Caravan when he allegedly failed to adhere to a red traffic signal. His vehicle collided with a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan, which was carrying Theodora Wilson, 39, and her young children, Felix Valenzuela, 6, and Rose Valenzuela, aged 7.
This initial crash propelled the Tiguan into a 2019 Toyota Highlander, compounding the tragic nature of the incident. Unfortunately, Theodora and her two children were pronounced dead at the scene.
Felix Valenzuela, who was in the vehicle during the accident, recounted the harrowing experience to local news outlet KTLA. He described waking up in the car amidst deployed airbags, struggling to breathe or call out. Valenzuela expressed deep anguish as he attempted to awaken his wife and check on his children’s condition, only to find them unresponsive in their seats.
The loss of Theodora, who had been a registered nurse for many years, leaves a substantial void in her family’s lives. Valenzuela explained that he and his 16-year-old daughter both sustained significant injuries and were transported to the hospital. He mournfully reflected on what could have been, expressing profound grief for the future that his children will no longer have.
Collado also suffered major injuries in the crash and received medical treatment before being taken into custody. His bail has been set at $460,000, pending further legal proceedings. The driver of the third vehicle involved in the crash, a Toyota Highlander, was treated and evaluated at the scene but did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
Jacquelyn Rodriguez, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office, commented on the incident, highlighting that such tragic events happen too frequently on the roads. She noted that the office includes a specialised unit focused on dealing with cases of vehicular manslaughter, drawing attention to the importance of responsible driving behaviours.
The community has responded to the tragedy with an outpouring of support for the Valenzuela family. A GoFundMe page established in memory of Theodora and her children has garnered attention, aiming to assist with funeral expenses and support for the surviving members of the family.
As the legal process unfolds, this heartbreaking case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving and the immense impact such actions can have on families and communities. The road to recovery will be long for the Valenzuela family, who must now navigate life without their beloved wife and mother, alongside the memories of their young children.