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1300+A 12-year-old girl has died after being struck by a suspected drunk driver in Tulare County, prompting a community vigil and renewed grief across the Terra Bella Union School District.
Details About the Suspected DUI Crash
The California Highway Patrol reports the crash occurred around 5:37 p.m. on August 31, near Avenue 95 and Road 238, close to Terra Bella Elementary School.
Investigators say a 22-year-old Porterville man was driving a Ford Mustang westbound on Avenue 95 when he struck the girl as she was crossing the road.
The victim, identified as Jenessa Gonzalez, attended Carl Smith Middle School in the Terra Bella Union School District. She was rushed to Sierra View Medical Center, where she later died from her injuries.
Driver Arrested on DUI Charges
CHP investigators believe alcohol was a factor in the crash. The driver, 22-year-old Anthony Chavez-Valencia of Porterville, was arrested on suspicion of DUI following the collision. The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Anyone who witnessed the crash or has relevant information is asked to contact the CHP Porterville Area Office at (559) 784-7444.
Community Mourns With Vigil
The Terra Bella Union School District notified families of Jenessa’s passing and organized a vigil held on Ave 95 near Road 238. In its message to the community, the district acknowledged the emotional toll of the loss and made mental health support available to students and staff processing the tragedy.
The Legal Reality of DUI Crashes Involving Children
Tragedies like this one raise painful but important questions for grieving families. In California, the loved ones of a child killed by a drunk driver may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim against the at-fault driver.
These cases often involve:
- Criminal DUI charges filed separately from any civil claim
- Compensation for funeral and burial expenses
- Damages for the loss of companionship and support
- Punitive damages in cases involving egregious impairment
A wrongful death claim cannot undo a family’s loss, but it can help hold a negligent driver accountable and ease the financial burden that follows an unimaginable tragedy.
Speak With a California Wrongful Death Attorney
Families in the Central Valley affected by a drunk driving tragedy deserve compassionate, experienced legal guidance. Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer’s nearby Bakersfield office is available to help families throughout Kern and Tulare Counties understand their legal options after a fatal DUI crash. Contact our Bakersfield wrongful death attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation.
About the Author
JEFFREY FAYNGOR, ESQ.
Jeffrey Fayngor is the founder of Attorney Jeff Car Accident Lawyer and an experienced personal injury attorney dedicated to representing accident victims. He earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and has recovered over $120 million for injured clients. He has built his practice around helping injury victims protect their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.