Father weeps after wife and two children killed in Apple Valley crash
A Southern California man described his grief after a collision in Apple Valley claimed his wife and two young children, while he and his teenage daughter survived with serious injuries.
In Apple Valley, a three-vehicle collision resulted in the deaths of Theodora Wilson, 39, and her two children, ages six and seven, after a Hesperia driver allegedly ignored a red light and collided with another car that then struck the family’s vehicle. Felix Valenzuela and his 16-year-old daughter survived but sustained critical injuries; the daughter’s injuries were described as a severe dislocation of the skull and spine, requiring complex surgery.
The suspect, identified as Hendrix Arcadio Collado, has been charged with three counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, two counts of reckless driving causing great bodily injury, and a great bodily injury enhancement, after initially being charged with driving under the influence of drugs. Authorities continue to investigate possible drug or alcohol involvement. Valenzuela expressed that his physical injuries pale in comparison to the trauma his children endured and urged against driving while impaired. A GoFundMe page created in the family’s name aims to collect $100,000 and has gathered almost $79,000 so far.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the severe consequences of reckless driving and the lasting impact on surviving family members.
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