See more of our coverage in your search results.
This is the devastating moment a SoCal father broke down in tears from hospital Wednesday when opening up about the death of his wife and two young kids following a horrific car crash.
Felix Valenzuela, his wife, and three kids were driving eastbound in Apple Valley last month when a 43-year-old Hesperia man allegedly ran a red light and collided into another vehicle, which then careened into them.
Valenzuela and his 16-year-old daughter survived with severe injuries. His other two kids, a six and seven-year-old, and his wife, Theodora Wilson, 39, died at the scene.
The Hesperia man was hospitalized with severe injuries and the third driver was treated on-scene.
“They killed three people in my family,” he cried in an interview with Fox 11. “Three innocent people who didn’t deserve to die.”
California’s top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.
Please provide a valid email.
By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Never miss a story
“My injuries are nothing compared to what my kids went through,” he said, donning a neck brace and sitting in a wheelchair, “and my wife.”
His eldest daughter, who remains hospitalized, was “basically decapitated.”
“Her skull came off of her… spine, like, completely dislocated. But they were able to… do some surgery and… fix her up, I guess, like put her head back together,” he said.
His eldest daughter, who remains hospitalized, was “basically decapitated.”
The suspect has been identified as Hendrix Arcadio Collado and has been charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, two counts of reckless driving causing great bodily injury, and one great bodily injury enhancement.
He was initially charged with driving under the influence of drugs. Authorities said drugs or alcohol may have influenced the crash, which is still under investigation.
“I know he didn’t do it on purpose, but you shouldn’t be driving under the influence, period,” he said.
A GoFundMe has been started in honor of Felix’s family with a stated goal of $100,000. The fundraiser has raised nearly $79,000 so far.
He said the crash didn’t just mangle his body — it has broken his heart in ways he couldn’t imagine. “My heart is more broken than anything.”
California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!