On the evening of Saturday, April 19, 2025, a devastating collision occurred on the northbound 5 Freeway near the 91 Freeway interchange in Anaheim, California. A suspected DUI driver crashed into an SUV carrying members of the Barrera family, resulting in the deaths of 2-year-old Sofia Barrera and her grandfather, 73-year-old Albino Barrera.
Prior to the accident, the family had attended a birthday celebration for a fellow church member. Sofia and Albino shared a special moment, taking a photo together in a booth—a rare occurrence for Albino, who typically avoided photographs. This image now serves as a cherished memory for the grieving family.
The crash occurred around 7 p.m. as the family was merging onto the freeway. Albino was ejected from the vehicle and died instantly, while Sofia succumbed to her injuries shortly thereafter. Sofia’s mother and grandmother sustained injuries and were hospitalized. Her brother, Ishmael Barrera Romero, who was in the front passenger seat, survived with minor injuries but is deeply traumatized by the event.
The driver responsible for the collision was also hospitalized and is under investigation for driving under the influence. Authorities have not yet released the driver’s identity.
Legal Perspective from a Gosuits Personal Injury Attorney
The heartbreaking loss of Sofia and Albino Barrera underscores the catastrophic consequences of impaired driving. From a legal standpoint, incidents involving suspected DUI drivers can lead to both criminal charges and civil liabilities.
Families affected by such tragedies may pursue wrongful death claims to seek compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of companionship, and emotional distress. In cases where negligence is evident, courts may also award punitive damages to deter similar conduct in the future.
It’s crucial for victims’ families to consult with experienced personal injury attorneys to navigate the complexities of the legal system and to ensure that justice is served.
The Broader Issue: DUI-Related Fatalities Involving Children
Tragically, the Barrera family’s loss is not an isolated incident. In November 2024, two young sisters, Neveah and Alinah, aged 4 and 3 respectively, were killed in Rialto, California, when a suspected drunk driver ran a red light and collided with their family’s vehicle. The driver, Alexis Garcia, was charged with two counts of murder after fleeing the scene.
These incidents highlight a disturbing pattern of DUI-related fatalities involving children. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2023, approximately 1,100 children aged 14 and under were killed in motor vehicle crashes, with about 20% of these deaths involving alcohol-impaired drivers.
Preventing such tragedies requires a multifaceted approach, including stricter enforcement of DUI laws, public education campaigns, and community-based interventions. It’s imperative for society to recognize the profound impact of impaired driving and to take collective action to safeguard our roads for all, especially our most vulnerable passengers.
