Anaheim, California (January 25, 2026) — A suspected drunk-driving crash in Anaheim early Sunday morning claimed the life of Bianca Esquivel, a 24-year-old pregnant woman, and her unborn child, leaving a family shattered and a young child without his mother. The collision occurred just after midnight near an on-ramp to the 91 Freeway, according to the Anaheim Police Department.
Incident Details: Police said the crash was reported at approximately 12:09 a.m. on Anaheim Boulevard. Investigators determined that the driver of a gray Lexus ran a red light and collided with a white Toyota Camry. Bianca Esquivel was seated in the front passenger seat of the Toyota at the time of the crash.
Esquivel suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead as a result of the collision. Because she was pregnant, her unborn child also died. The driver of the Toyota and two passengers inside the Lexus were transported to a hospital with injuries described by police as not life-threatening.
The driver of the Lexus, identified by authorities as 24-year-old Daniel Ramos of Riverside, was arrested at the scene and booked on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Anaheim police stated that additional charges may be considered due to the victim’s pregnancy, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Loved ones said Esquivel was expecting her second child and had just left a late-night stop for food with her boyfriend when the crash occurred. She leaves behind a 4-year-old child.
Investigation: The Anaheim Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. In suspected DUI collisions, investigators typically focus on establishing impairment through toxicology testing, officer observations, and any available video or witness evidence.
Investigators will likely analyze traffic signal timing and sequence to document the red-light violation. Evidence such as vehicle damage, debris, and resting positions will help reconstruct the crash and estimate speed, impact angle, and force. Since the crash happened near a freeway on-ramp after midnight, they may check lighting, traffic, and if the Lexus driver had enough time to stop. Surveillance footage might also clarify the events leading to the collision.
In fatal or suspected intoxication cases, investigators may also review the driver’s prior locations and alcohol-serving establishments. Multiple injuries and a pregnant woman’s death increase the investigation’s seriousness and possible criminal charges.
Legal Considerations: Suspected DUI crashes resulting in death carry some of the most severe criminal penalties under California law, including felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter charges. When a pregnant woman and her unborn child are killed, prosecutors can pursue multiple criminal charges. Separately, civil actions offer financial accountability for the full extent of the harm caused.
From a civil perspective, the family of Bianca Esquivel may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and compensation for the profound emotional impact of her death. This civil action may also account for the loss suffered by her surviving child, who now faces life without his mother.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Bianca Esquivel’s family and loved ones during their mourning of a daughter, partner, mother, and unborn child.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles