A pregnant woman and her unborn twins died June 27 in San Bernardino County, California, after a driver allegedly ran a stop sign and crashed into her vehicle, authorities said. Lorena Lopez, 33, was en route to a family gathering with her two teenage children when the collision occurred around 8:20 p.m.
Lopez was pronounced dead at the scene. Her unborn twins were also declared deceased. Her children, ages 15 and 16, were transported to a hospital with serious injuries, including severe concussions, brain swelling, and broken ribs, according to Lopez's stepfather, Carlos Espinosa.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 25-year-old man, reportedly drove through the stop sign before striking Lopez's car, causing it to flip onto its side. The man's car subsequently caught fire, prompting bystanders to attempt to extinguish the flames before emergency services arrived.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if excessive speed or driving under the influence were factors in the crash, which remains under investigation. The family is seeking justice for Lopez and her twins, with Espinosa stating that no sentence would bring her back but that they want consequences for the driver.
Lopez was described by her mother, Emilia Espinosa, as a devoted mother and healthcare worker who was eagerly anticipating the arrival of her twins, expected to be a boy and a girl. The family had been planning her baby shower, which was scheduled for just weeks after the crash. A GoFundMe has been established to help cover funeral expenses and support the recovery of Lopez's children.
