Turlock, CA (January 4, 2023) A collision on New Year’s Day claimed the lives of 23-year-old Leilani Romayor-Bettencourt and 28-year-old Danny Reyes. The California Highway Patrol stated that the two Turlock residents were passengers in a vehicle, driven by 24-year-old Issac Urbeana, at the time of the collision. A third passenger, 21-year-old Oakdale resident, Amber Sauls, sustained severe injuries in this crash.
The fatal accident took place on New Year’s Day near Turlock Lake State Recreation Area, the California Highway Patrol said. It was just before 3:45 a.m. on New Year’s Day when the group of four headed west on Lake Road in a 2017 Toyota Sedan. As the vehicle reached Roberts Ferry Road, Urbeana lost control of the vehicle on a curve in the road. Officer Tom Olsen, a spokesperson for the California Highway Patrol, said that the Toyota went off the south edge of the road during the turn, and then rolled.
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The two passengers in the back seat, identified as Romayor-Bettencourt and Reyes, were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident. As the Toyota rolled, the two were tragically thrown from the vehicle. Sauls, who was riding in the front passenger seat, sustained serious injuries in the collision.
Emergency personnel arrived at the scene and paramedics rushed to help those in need of medical attention. Sadly, they found that both Romayor-Bettencourt and Reyes had been killed in the accident. They were both pronounced dead at the scene by authorities. Sauls was rushed to Doctors Medical Center via ambulance in serious condition.
Officers arrested Urbeana after determining that he had been driving while under the influence of alcohol. The California Highway Patrol reported that Urbeana faces charges of felony DUI as well as felony gross vehicular manslaughter following this tragic accident that took the lives of Romayor-Bettencourt and Reyes.
Romayor-Bettencourt’s sister started a GoFundMe account and shared that Ramayor-Bettencourt was a mother of two young children, ages 1 and 4.
Liability In Turlock DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Turlock DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the families of Leilani Romayor-Bettencourt and Danny Reyes during this time of loss. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about a DUI accident that took place in Turlock? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at 866-883-4318.
