“Tragic New Year’s Eve Crash Claims Lives of Family in Los Angeles: Victim Updates”

Accident – death – Obituary News :

A tragic incident in the Harvard Park area of Los Angeles has left a year-old girl fighting for her life, following the deaths of her parents and younger sister in a New Year’s Eve crash. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that the collision occurred at approximately 11:20 p.m. on Sunday, when a speeding driver, identified as 22-year-old Issac Jordan Kahari, ran a stop sign at the intersection of 60th Place and Normandie Avenue. Kahari had been fleeing from a previous hit-and-run incident before crashing into the family of four’s sedan.

LAPD Detective Ryan Moreno described the crash as “so violent” that it caused the family’s car to careen through a street sign and a fence, ultimately coming to a stop outside a nearby business. Witnesses who heard the collision compared the sound to an “explosion.” Fortunately, several good Samaritans rushed to the scene and offered assistance.

The father, identified as 49-year-old Jose Manuel Pascagaza, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his 5-year-old daughter Mia succumbed to her injuries at a hospital. The mother, 26-year-old Luisa Bernal, who occupied the front passenger seat, was initially hospitalized with severe injuries and tragically passed away on Tuesday. The couple’s other daughter, Hanna, who will be celebrating her birthday next week, remains in the hospital but is showing signs of improvement.

The family had recently relocated to California from Colombia, seeking a better future for themselves and their children. In an effort to provide a Christian burial for her parents and sister, Angie Dayana Pascagaza, the eldest daughter, set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for their repatriation to Colombia.

In a heartwarming update, Angie shared that Hanna is “recovering satisfactorily from this tragic accident.” The devastating loss has deeply affected the community, as friends and neighbors set up a memorial at the intersection of 60th and Normandie, adorned with photographs, flowers, and candles.

Kahari, the driver responsible for the crash, also received medical treatment for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators believe he was impaired at the time of the collision, although confirmation awaits the results of a toxicology report. He may face charges of murder or gross vehicular manslaughter.

Deputy Chief Donald Graham of the LAPD expressed his sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the importance of road safety and the need to prevent further tragedies. He highlighted the alarming statistics, noting that the city of Los Angeles has already experienced six fatalities resulting from traffic collisions over the weekend, almost equaling the number of homicides.

This devastating accident serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of responsible driving. As the community mourns the loss of this family, efforts are underway to support them during this difficult time.

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