A tragic multi-vehicle collision in Anaheim, California, has left two individuals dead, including a 14-year-old high school student. The incident took place in the early hours of 31 March at the intersection of Lincoln Avenue and Anaheim Boulevard, when a 19-year-old driver allegedly ran a red light, subsequently colliding with three other vehicles.
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Local authorities were alerted to the erratic driving of a silver Infiniti sedan approximately 15 minutes prior to the crash. Officers from the Anaheim Police Department (APD) attempted to initiate a traffic stop, however, the driver accelerated at a high speed, evading capture before the fatal incident occurred. Sergeant Matt Sutter from the APD explained that the vehicle “turned off its lights, blacked out, and sped away.”
The collision claimed the lives of two individuals on the spot. One of the deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Alberto Viveros Piedra, while the second victim was Andrew Sanchez, a freshman at Anaheim High School. Reports indicate that Sanchez was seated in the front passenger seat of the Infiniti, alongside the 19-year-old driver, who sustained critical injuries. Two female students from Katella High School, travelling in the back seat, were also hospitalised with various injuries.
Friends and family of the victims have expressed their grief over the tragic events. Nathan Tello, a close friend of Sanchez, spoke to local media, highlighting the deep bond they shared. “He was my best friend. I knew him since kindergarten. Maybe he made the wrong decision that night—I don’t know the full story,” Tello reflected, demonstrating the profound sense of loss felt by his community.
Piedra’s family described him as a dedicated individual and a pillar of support for his extended family, which includes 12 children, 30 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. They only learned of his death after driving past the crash site. His niece, Laura Reyes, recounted the shocking moment when her family discovered the tragedy, revealing that Piedra had informed them he would be home shortly.
According to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the family, Piedra was returning home from work just moments before the accident occurred. His granddaughter, Gilberto Acosta, shared her heartache, stating, “He never made it home. We never got the chance to say goodbye.” Acosta further elaborated on the unexpected nature of the loss, noting, “This loss has taken us completely by surprise.”
As investigations are underway, the APD is looking into whether drugs or alcohol were contributing factors in the crash. Authorities are aiming to gather further evidence to understand the circumstances that led to this heartbreaking event.
The incident has sent ripples through the Anaheim community, as friends and family mourn the loss of both Piedra and Sanchez. As the investigation continues, local residents are left grappling with the implications of reckless driving and its dire consequences. Reports from the APD and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department are awaited to provide further clarity on the unfortunate incident.
As the community rallies together to support the families affected, the call for safer driving habits has never been more urgent. Both the APD and local organisations are emphasising the importance of responsible driving to prevent such tragedies in the future.