WINDSOR HILLS, Calif. (KABC) — A somber vigil was held on Friday evening to honor the victims of a multi-vehicle crash in Windsor Hills that killed six people, including a pregnant woman who died with her young son.
Asherey Ryan was on her way to a prenatal doctor’s appointment at the time of the violent crash Thursday, her sister Sha’seana Kerr told ABC7. Ryan’s 11-month-old son Alonzo Quintero and boyfriend Reynold Lester were also among the deceased victims.
“Everyone is heartbroken,” Kerr said in an interview. “She literally walked through the door, because we all live together, and she said, ‘Okay, I love you all. I’m going to my doctor’s appointment to check on the baby. We asked, ‘Oh, why don’t you leave our nephew here?’ She said, ‘No, I want to take my son for a ride.’ So to know that it really, really broke our hearts.”
Lester’s family told ABC7 the 24-year-old security guard is the father of the unborn child, who was listed as “little Ryan boys” in coroner’s records online.
Two other women and a man were also killed but their names were not released on Friday.
Shortly after 1:30 p.m. Thursday, a Mercedes-Benz coupe ran a red light at high speed and caused the crash involving up to six cars near a gas station at the intersection of Slauson and La Brea avenues, according to the California Highway Patrol. .
The California Highway Patrol said Nicole Lorraine Linton, 37, who was injured in the crash, was taken into custody at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.
Prosecutors said they could receive the case as soon as next Monday and would then decide whether to file criminal charges.
READ ALSO | A woman was on her way to a prenatal checkup with her toddler son and boyfriend before the fatal Windsor Hills crash
“I drove to the stage,” Kerr said. “I ran past the police just because I wanted to feel his energy one more time. Yesterday I really lost it. My family was broken up yesterday, and we are still broken up.”
Alonzo would have turned one on August 17, his family said.
Meanwhile, Ryan’s mother said family members set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.
Ryan was a stay-at-home mom and college student, according to her family.
WATCH | Drivers in shock after violent Windsor Hills crash that killed 6: ‘It could have been me’
The Mercedes-Benz Coupe never appeared to brake as it crossed the intersection and CHP officer Franco Pepi said detectives were looking into whether Linton had had a medical episode or was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Several people were ejected from cars and two vehicles caught fire. News footage from the scene showed the charred and mangled cars, as well as a child car seat among the debris covering the street.
Surveillance video showed the Mercedes driving through an intersection, hitting at least two cars which burst into flames and were sent onto a sidewalk, slamming into the corner sign of the gas station. A fire sequence led to a car. A vehicle was torn in two.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office released the following statement Friday afternoon:
“My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones in yesterday’s horrific car collision in Windsor Hills. This incredible tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout Los Angeles and the loss of so many precious lives. will have a lasting impact on those closest to them.Our office is in close contact with the lead law enforcement agency conducting the investigation. A prosecutor has already been appointed and will work with law enforcement throughout the weekend. We will provide updates as more information becomes available. The file could be presented to us on Monday.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Copyright © 2022 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.
