A family’s Easter celebration ended in heartbreak after a California mother and her young son were killed in a crash police say was caused by a driver who ran a red light and then fled the scene.
Authorities say 41-year-old Martha Hernandez and her 9-year-old son, Adrian Hernandez, were killed early Monday, April 6, in Fresno. Investigators allege the pair were heading home around 2 a.m. after celebrating Easter when a speeding driver blew through a red light and slammed into their car, sending it into a canal.
The impact turned devastating within moments.
Martha was pulled from the canal shortly after the crash and rushed to the hospital, but she did not survive. Adrian, who was not initially named in the criminal complaint, was later identified by loved ones and local reports as the second victim.
Police have now arrested 22-year-old Timothy Seth Chavez in connection with the deadly crash. According to local reports, Chavez later turned himself in at the Fresno County Jail between late Monday night and Tuesday.
He now faces two counts of vehicular manslaughter and two counts of leaving the scene after a crash.
The deaths of Martha and Adrian have sent shockwaves through the Fresno community.
Martha was known as a beloved nail technician, and those who knew her say she had a gift for making people feel seen and comforted. At a vigil held at a Fresno salon, one grieving client remembered how Martha always seemed to know exactly what to say.
Adrian’s loss has been especially painful for those who knew him at school. One of his teachers shared a heartbreaking memory about an art project he once made called a “dream door.” Inside that dream, Adrian had drawn himself with his mom and said his biggest wish was to always be with her.
Now, that memory is leaving many in tears.
A GoFundMe has been launched to help Martha’s oldest son as he prepares to graduate from high school while also facing the unimaginable task of arranging to send his mother and brother’s bodies back to Mexico.
So far, it is not clear whether Chavez has entered a plea or hired an attorney.
Is there anyone living in California who isn’t Hispanic?