Reedley DUI Crash Claims the Lives of Gloria Jamie Barajas and Brenda Quinonez

Accident – Death – Obituary News : TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office has identified the two individuals who tragically lost their lives in a DUI crash that occurred between Reedley and Dinuba on Sunday evening. The victims have been identified as 55-year-old Gloria Jamie Barajas and 35-year-old Brenda Quinonez, both residents of Reedley.

According to officials, the fatal incident took place around 6 p.m. on Sunday on Road 56, just north of Avenue 430. The victims were traveling in a Nissan Rogue along with two other passengers when their vehicle was struck head-on by a Ford F-150. The driver of the Ford F-150, a 43-year-old man from Dinuba, was found to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision.

The intoxicated driver, identified as Blake Benham, who serves as the principal at John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Dinuba, was taken into custody by law enforcement officers. Preliminary investigations indicate that Benham had veered from the southbound lane of Road 56 into the northbound lane, resulting in the devastating collision.

In addition to the two fatalities, two other individuals sustained severe injuries and were promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The exact extent of their injuries remains undisclosed at this time.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from driving under the influence of alcohol. The loss of two lives and the injuries sustained by the survivors highlights the need for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement of DUI laws.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash, gathering evidence and assessing the circumstances surrounding the incident. It is crucial that justice is served for the victims and their families, as well as ensuring that such incidents are deterred in the future.

The local community has been deeply affected by this heartbreaking incident, particularly given that the alleged offender was a respected figure within the education sector. The Dinuba Unified School District has placed Benham on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

As the legal proceedings unfold, it is essential for everyone to reflect on the importance of responsible and sober driving. Such tragedies have far-reaching consequences, impacting families, friends, and communities as a whole. By remaining vigilant and committed to preventing DUI incidents, we can strive towards a safer and more secure society.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies are working diligently to bring justice to the victims and their families. This incident is a somber reminder that impaired driving poses an ongoing threat to public safety, and it is imperative that individuals exercise responsibility and make the right choices when it comes to getting behind the wheel. Together, we can work towards a future where such devastating accidents are prevented, and lives are spared from the irreparable loss caused by DUI incidents..