Accident – death – Obituary News :

1-Year-Old Girl Fights for Life After Tragic New Year’s Eve Crash in Los Angeles

Introduction

Los Angeles, known for its glitz and glamour, was struck by tragedy on New Year’s Eve when a devastating crash in the Harvard Park area claimed the lives of a young family. The collision, caused by a speeding driver fleeing from a hit-and-run incident, left a 1-year-old girl fighting for her life. This heart-wrenching incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the urgent need for road safety measures.

The Violent Crash

On the fateful night of December 31st, 2023, at approximately 11:20 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department received distressing reports of a catastrophic crash at the intersection of 60th Place and Normandie Avenue. The speeding driver responsible for the collision was identified as 22-year-old Issac Jordan Kahari.

According to investigators, Kahari ran a stop sign, careening into the family of four’s sedan, resulting in a collision so violent that it sent their vehicle crashing through a street sign and a fence. The horrifying sound of the impact was likened to an “explosion” by witnesses who rushed to the scene, desperately offering their assistance.

A Family Torn Apart

The devastating consequences of the crash claimed the lives of three family members. The father, identified as 49-year-old Jose Manuel Pascagaza, tragically lost his life at the scene. His 5-year-old daughter, Mia, succumbed to her injuries at a hospital. The mother, 26-year-old Luisa Bernal, initially hospitalized with severe injuries, tragically passed away on Tuesday.

Amidst the heartache, there is a glimmer of hope as 1-year-old Hanna, whose birthday is approaching, remains in the hospital. Despite her young age, she is showing signs of improvement, instilling a sense of resilience in this grieving community.

A Plea for Help

Angie Dayana Pascagaza, the daughter of the deceased parents, took to GoFundMe to seek financial support for the family during this unimaginable time. She expressed her desire to repatriate the bodies of her parents and sister back to Colombia for a Christian burial, allowing them to rest in peace alongside their loved ones. The Pascagaza family, driven by the pursuit of a better future, had relocated to California from Colombia in November 2022.

The heart-wrenching plea from Angie has touched many hearts, leading to an outpouring of support from friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. The community has rallied together, creating a poignant memorial adorned with photos, flowers, and candles near the intersection where this tragic incident occurred.

Legal Consequences

While the Pascagaza family is left to grapple with their immense loss, the driver responsible for the crash, Issac Jordan Kahari, is facing potential murder or gross vehicular manslaughter charges. Following the collision, Kahari was promptly taken to a hospital, where he received treatment for serious, albeit non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities believe that Kahari was impaired at the time of the crash. However, detectives are awaiting the results of a toxicology report to confirm their suspicions. If found guilty, Kahari will be held accountable for the devastating loss of lives and the irreparable damage caused.

A Call for Road Safety

This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety. LAPD Deputy Chief Donald Graham expressed his deep concern, stating that the city of Los Angeles witnessed six lives lost in traffic collisions over the weekend alone. He emphasized the need for renewed efforts to prevent such tragic events, urging the community to prioritize road safety and vigilance.

As Los Angeles mourns the loss of this beloved family, the city must come together to honor their memory by advocating for safer streets and a future where such devastating crashes become a thing of the past.

.