Anaheim, CA (April 19, 2025) – A devastating crash on the 5 Freeway Saturday evening took the lives of a 2-year-old girl and her grandfather when their family’s SUV was struck by a suspected DUI driver, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Accident Details: The collision occurred around 7:00 p.m. near the interchange of the 5 Freeway and the 91 Freeway as the Barrera family was returning home from a birthday party. While merging onto the freeway, their SUV was hit by another vehicle.
Albino Barrera, 73, and his granddaughter, Sofia Barrera, were sitting in the back seat along with Sofia’s grandmother. Sofia’s mother was driving, and her brother, Ishmael Barrera Romero, was in the front passenger seat. Albino Barrera was ejected from the vehicle and died instantly, while Sofia later succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
Sofia’s mother and grandmother were also hospitalized. Ishmael suffered minor physical injuries but described the emotional trauma of witnessing the tragedy firsthand.
The driver who struck the Barrera family’s SUV was also hospitalized and is suspected of driving under the influence. Her identity has not been released by authorities.
Legal Considerations: When crashes involve suspected impaired drivers, criminal charges such as felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter are often pursued. In addition to the criminal case, the family of Sofia and Albino Barrera may also have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for their immense loss.
Ongoing Investigation: The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. Toxicology results and further evidence will determine the official charges filed against the suspected DUI driver.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Barrera family during this unimaginable time of grief.
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles