James Valle,Jezzy Valle Obituary, Death; – Three siblings tragically lost their lives on Saturday evening when a minivan collided with a semi-truck at a rural intersection in Madera County, according to authorities.
Family members have identified the deceased as 6-year-old Serenity Valenzuela, 15-year-old James Valle, and 17-year-old Jezzy Valle.
“They were all cheerful and always full of life, just smiling,” remarked their cousin, Benny Ramirez Jr.
They were all cheerful and always full of life.
Benny Ramirez Jr., cousin
The accident occurred at Avenue 7 and Road 24, where a memorial of flowers and balloons has been established.
The California Highway Patrol reported that a 48-year-old woman driving a minivan with her three children and their grandmother failed to stop at a stop sign and was subsequently struck by an oncoming semi-truck.
The CHP indicated that alcohol and drugs do not seem to be contributing factors.
Ramirez stated that the driver, his cousin, was a single mother who was deeply devoted to her children.
“Her entire life revolved around the kids because she was a single mother. That was her focus: ensuring the well-being of her children. That was her top priority,” he expressed.
The family had just departed from his residence, located less than a quarter mile away, moments before the incident.
“We heard a loud bang, and when we went to check, we realized she had been involved in an accident,” he recounted.
The CHP noted that the children were not wearing their seatbelts correctly, with the straps positioned only across their laps.
“As a driver, it is crucial to pay attention to the road, and you are also responsible for all passengers in your vehicle,” stated CHP Officer Sergio Moreno. “They must be wearing seatbelts, especially the young ones.”
Both drivers and the grandmother sustained injuries but are expected to recover.
This intersection has been the site of several fatal accidents, and Ramirez described it as hazardous due to the lack of adequate warning signs.
“There are no signs indicating a stop ahead until you reach the stop sign,” he clarified.
The family has established a GoFundMe page to assist with expenses.
