Arcadia Rollover Accident Takes 3 Young Lives
A car crash in Arcadia early Tuesday, December 13 killed three people and put a fourth in the hospital. The group was on their way to a birthday party for one of the vehicle occupants.
The rollover took place around two in the morning between Welland and Live Oak Avenues. According to local police, the group was moving westbound when the car seemed to lose control. Video taken at the scene showed an overturned car on its side alongside a damaged brick wall.
Speeding a factor in the crash
The deceased included El Monte resident Marcus Garcia and Pomona resident Raymond Daniel Yniquez, both 21, and 25 year old Anna Velazquez from Los Angeles.
Arcadia police sergeant, Jeremy Lachenmeyer, said among the deceased were the driver, though there has be no official statement of who was driving.
The fourth passenger, another 21 year old, was transported to the hospital. While no official identification has been released, the family of the deceased Marcus Garcia has reported the injured individual was Ryan Hernandez. This victim was initially reported to be in critical condition. By the end of the day, according to friends and family, he had been downgraded to stable.
The police believe speeding may have played a role in the crash.
Victims headed to birthday celebration
The young group was celebrating victim Anna Velazquez’ 25 birthday, according to friend of the victims, Jeff Salazar. The driver had apparently left work and was bringing the group to her party.
There was a second car with another group of friends heading to the same location. They were following the first car when it went off the road. They were witnesses as it rolled multiple times.
After being called about the incident, Salazar says, “I already knew right off the bat, just from my best friend’s voice, I just heard it. He just told me, ‘Just get down here, it’s bad.'”
Instead of a birthday, hundreds turned out for a vigil Tuesday evening to mourn the lost lives and to pray for the fourth passenger. One attendee at the emotional event was treated for hyperventilation.
The accident remains under investigation.
What happened?
The police will be investigating circumstances that played a part in this tragedy. While speed is already being considered, police, forensic specialists and other investigators will look at the car’s condition. Did it run off the road because of a fault in the vehicle? Were there road hazards that caused the turn off, like an obstruction or an unidentifiable substance? They will also have to investigate the condition of the passengers to establish if drinking or impairing substances were involved.
Only by establishing these issues can liability be determined.
Legal advocacy for car accident victims
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in a motor vehicle crash resulting from negligence, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. To arrange a free case evaluation with Los Angeles car accident lawyers at Ellis Law, please call 310-641-3335.
Car Accident Resources
- KTLA, 3 Killed, 1 Critically Injured in Arcadia Crash http://ktla.com/2016/12/13/3-young-adults-killed-1-critically-injured-in-rollover-crash-in-arcadia/
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Traffic Safety Facts, https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/810853