Apple Valley, California — A California man is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors say he ran a red light, causing a devastating three-vehicle crash that claimed the lives of a mother and her two young children.
The tragedy has left a grieving husband and father sharing the heartbreaking moments he discovered his family had been killed.
Driver Charged in Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office announced that Hendrix Arcadio Collado, 43, has been charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence.
He also faces two counts of reckless driving causing a specified injury in connection with the deadly collision. Collado appeared in court on Wednesday, Aug. 5, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office described the incident as a tragic reminder of the deadly consequences of reckless driving, noting that prosecutors have a specialized traffic safety unit dedicated to handling fatal crash cases.
Investigators Say Driver Ran a Red Light
According to investigators, the crash occurred just before midnight on July 29 near the intersection of Yucca Loma Road and Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley, California.
Authorities allege that Collado was driving a 2015 Dodge Caravan when he failed to stop at a red traffic signal. His vehicle allegedly slammed into a 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan carrying 39-year-old Theodora Wilson, her husband, and their children.
The force of the impact pushed the Tiguan into a 2019 Toyota Highlander, creating a three-vehicle collision.
Emergency responders pronounced Theodora Wilson, 6-year-old Felix Valenzuela, and 7-year-old Rose Valenzuela dead at the scene.
Husband Describes the Heartbreaking Aftermath
Theodora’s husband, Felix Valenzuela, 42, said he was driving the family’s SUV when the collision happened. He recalled regaining consciousness inside the heavily damaged vehicle after the airbags had deployed.
According to Felix, he tried desperately to wake his wife before calling out to his children. When none of them responded, he realized the unimaginable had happened.
Felix and the couple’s 16-year-old daughter survived the crash but suffered major injuries and were transported to a hospital for treatment.
Speaking about his wife, Felix said Theodora had worked as a registered nurse and dedicated her life to caring for others. He said losing both his wife and their two young children has left an irreplaceable void in his life.
Suspect Also Injured in Collision
Authorities said Collado also suffered major injuries in the crash and was transported to a hospital. Following his arrest, his bail was set at $460,000.
The driver of the Toyota Highlander was evaluated and treated at the scene for injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The investigation into the collision remains ongoing as prosecutors continue preparing the case.
Community Mourns a Family Lost Too Soon
The deaths of Theodora Wilson and her children, Felix and Rose, have deeply affected their family and the local community.
As the criminal case moves forward, prosecutors will seek to determine whether Collado’s alleged actions meet the legal standard for gross negligence, while the surviving family members continue coping with an unimaginable loss.
The case serves as another reminder of the devastating impact that alleged reckless driving and traffic signal violations can have on innocent families in a matter of seconds.
What are your thoughts on penalties for fatal reckless driving crashes? Do you believe current laws are strict enough to prevent these tragedies? Share your opinion in the comments below.
