Police identify 5 teens killed in horrific Santa Maria crash
The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday held a moment of silence for the five North County teenagers who died in a horrific single-vehicle crash in Santa Maria over the weekend.
At the start of the meeting in Santa Barbara, board Chairman Bob Nelson, who represents the Fourth District that includes the area where the crash occurred, noted the Sunday morning tragedy.
Four teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene at 1:40 a.m. at the intersection of South Broadway/Highway 135 and South Miller Street.
A fifth teen was taken to the hospital, but died from her injuries.
The sedan they were riding in slammed into a traffic signal pole at high speed, with the impact splitting the vehicle apart.
“While loss of life is tragic, and when the loss of life is of someone so young and so many, it’s a sober reminder of the fragility of life,” Nelson said.
Authorities have said some of the teenagers killed — who ranged in age from 16 to 19 — have ties to the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District and Lompoc Unified School District campuses.
Nelson called for a moment of silence in their memory — “They are youth in our community” — and said “thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.”
On Tuesday afternoon, Santa Maria police identified the five killed as:
- Isabella Star Vigil, 16
- Nicolas Munoz-Gautreaux, 17
- Jennifer Gutierrez, 19
- Guendi Beatrice Gamez Escalante, 16
- Yusbeli Diaz Galvez, 17
The lone survivor, Aurelio Calixtro Matias, 24, remains in the hospital, where he was being treated after suffering critical injuries, police have said, amid false reports that he had died.
Police have not said whom they believe was driving.
No arrests have been made in connection with the crash, which remains under investigation by the Santa Maria Police Department Traffic Bureau.
Alcohol may have been factor in the crash, and investigators also were looking at reports the vehicle had been speeding.
“This collision is a devastating tragedy that has deeply impacted the families of those involved and the Santa Maria community as a whole,” police said Tuesday.
“The loss of so many young lives is difficult to comprehend, and our hearts go out to the victims’ families, friends, classmates, loved ones, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event.
“During this incredibly difficult time, the Santa Maria Police Department joins the community in mourning this tremendous loss and extends its sincere condolences to everyone impacted.”
Even before authorities released the names, family members and friends had noted their deaths on social media, fundraising sites, and at the memorial growing near the crash scene.
Along with flowers, candles, balloons and pictures, empty alcohol bottles have been added to the memorial near the intersection of Orcutt Road and Ocotillo Avenue, just west of the crash site.
The empty containers and video of the mourners prompted debates among social media users.
A section of the chain link fence separating the busy highway connecting Santa Maria and Orcutt from the neighborhood has been pushed over from the Orcutt Road site.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or has information that may assist investigators can contact the Police Department Traffic Unit at 805-928-3781, ext. 1139.
Isabella ‘Bella’ Star Vigil
“Bella was a bright, beautiful soul who brought joy, laughter, and love to everyone who knew her. She had a kind heart, a beautiful smile, and a future full of hopes and dreams.”
“Her loss has left an unimaginable void in the lives of her family, friends, classmates, and all those fortunate enough to have known her.”
The GoFundMe page, “In Loving Memory of Isabella ‘Bella’ Vigil,” had raised more than $11,000 toward the $20,000 goal as of Tuesday.
Yusbeli ‘Ava’ Diaz Galvez
Her family said the girl they called Ava was the patient transported to the hospital after the crash “where she fought courageously until the very end.
“Despite the efforts of her medical team and the prayers of those who loved her, she sadly passed away, leaving behind a family and community whose lives will never be the same,” family members said.
“Ava was a beautiful, loving, and kind-hearted young woman. She cherished her family and friends and had a special way of bringing joy to everyone around her,” family members wrote. “Her warmth, compassion, and bright spirit touched countless lives, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.”
The GoFundMe page, “In Memory of Ava Yusbeli Diaz” had raised approximately $2,000 toward the $6,000 goal as of Tuesday.
Jennifer Gutierrez
She died weeks before she was set to turn 20 years old on June 28, her sister Daniela said.
“Jenny was a sweet girl.. full of happiness. She was there for everyone. She had the silliest laugh, biggest smiles, and gave the best hugs.”
The GoFundMe page, “in Loving Memory of Jennifer,” had raised more than $6,400 toward the $20,000 goal as of Tuesday.
Nicolas Munoz-Gautreaux
He lived in the Lompoc Valley and reportedly attended Maple Continuation High School.
“There are no words for this kind of heartbreak. No mother should ever have to say goodbye to her child,” her mom’s friend posted on GoFundMe to collect donations for the funeral. The GoFundMe, “Support Nicole After Sudden Loss,” page had raised more than $9,100 toward the $10,000 goal as of Tuesday.
Guendi Beatrice Gamez Escalante
“The sudden loss has left our family heartbroken, especially their mother, who is now facing this unimaginable pain alone.”
A cousin said the funds raised will help funeral costs.
“She is a single mother, and the financial burden on top of her grief is overwhelming,” her cousin said.
A GoFundMe page, “Support for Grieving Mother After Tragic Loss,” raised more than $3,500 toward the $7,500 goal.