A 12-year-old California girl, Janessa Gonzalez of Terra Bella, was killed by a suspected drunk driver just nine days before her 13th birthday, her family confirmed. The incident occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on a Monday as Gonzalez attempted to cross Avenue 95 near Terra Bella Elementary School. She was struck by 22-year-old Anthony Chavez-Valencia of Porterville, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Gonzalez was transported to Sierra View Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Authorities believe Chavez-Valencia was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
Janessa was scheduled to turn 13 on September 10. Her family described her as a bright, funny, and vibrant individual. Her aunt, Jaylenne Juarez, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family with unexpected expenses resulting from the tragedy.
"Our family experienced a heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure," Juarez wrote on the fundraising page. Janessa was the second oldest of six children and was known for her lively personality. She had a fondness for babies and often carried dolls, caring for them as if they were real.
Her family also recalled Janessa as a fighter. Despite early medical prognoses suggesting she would never walk or talk, she defied expectations through sheer determination, according to the fundraiser. "But Janessa didn’t listen. She showed them, she fought harder than anyone could have imagined and did things they said she would never do," her aunt stated.
Now, her loved ones are left with memories of the milestones Janessa achieved against the odds. "She should have been getting ready to celebrate her 13th birthday, making memories with her family, and continuing to grow into the beautiful young woman she was meant to become," the family shared. They are mourning the loss of a daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, and friend.
The family is seeking financial assistance to help manage the costs associated with Janessa's sudden death and to allow them to focus on grieving. "No family is ever prepared to say goodbye to a child, especially so suddenly and so young," Juarez wrote. Those unable to donate are encouraged to share the fundraiser and keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.