SANTA MARIA, Calif. — Five teenagers are dead and a 24-year-old remains in critical condition after a single-car crash into a traffic signal early Sunday morning at the Broadway and Miller Street intersection in Santa Maria.
Santa Maria police and fire departments and American Medical Response responded to the scene just before 1:40 a.m.
Pronounced dead at the scene were Isabella “Bella” Star Vigil, 16; Nicolas Munoz-Gautreaux, 17; Jennifer Gutierrez, 19; and Guendi Beatrice Gamez Escalante, 16.
“Ava” Yusbeli Diaz Galvez, 17, and Aurelio Calixtro Matias, 24, were transported to Marian Regional Medical Center, where Galvez succumbed to her injuries. Matias, the sole survivor, remains in critical condition.
“Preliminary evidence located at the scene suggests alcohol may have been a contributing factor; however, the investigation remains ongoing and no final determination has been made at this time,” said Sergeant Shane Armstrong.
Community Mourning
“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,” the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) said in a press release.
The crash has left families, friends, classmates, and the broader Santa Maria community grieving five young lives lost far too soon.
Ongoing Investigation
The SMPD Traffic Unit is actively investigating the cause of the crash. Investigators are asking for the public’s help. Any witnesses or those who may have information are encouraged to contact the SMPD Traffic Unit at (805) 928-3781 x1139.
How to Help
Those who wish to support the families of Vigil, Munoz-Gautreaux, Gutierrez, Escalante, and Galvez can do so through GoFundMe pages made by the friends and families of the victims.