Bakersfield, CA (February 13, 2024) A community is mourning the loss of two mothers who were killed by a DUI driver on February 9th. Hortencia Garcia de Haro and Vanessa Lasarit were both killed when a DUI driver senselessly slammed into them on a Bakersfield Road. A third woman was also in the vehicle with them and sustained serious injuries in this devastating accident and remains in the hospital, fighting for her life.
Horencia Garcia de Haro was driving the white sedan that Vanessa Lasarit and another women occupied that Friday evening in February. It was just after 11:00 p.m. as the trio traveled along Planz Road, headlights leading the way. Suddenly, another set of headlights came into view in the 1900 block or Planz Road. There was no time to react as a Chevrolet Tahoe slammed into the white car.
The area was awakened by sirens that grew louder as emergency personnel approached the scene. Flashing lights lit up the night as officers and paramedics came to a screeching stop in the middle of the devastation. The sedan, driven by Horencia Garcia de Haro, was completely smashed. Pieces of the vehicle along with debris and glass were spread across the area in all directions. Paramedics rushed to the sedan and found de Haro unresponsive. In a heartbreaking moment, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
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Vanessa Lasarit and the other female passenger were both in critical condition. Paramedics rushed both women to a local hospital to receive treatment. Lasarit had initially died in the collision, but was revived by paramedics at the scene. Sadly, she was declared brain dead, due to lack of oxygen to her brain following the crash. She was pronounced dead at the scene while still in the hospital’s care. The third woman continues to fight for her life from her hospital bed following this traumatic accident.
The driver who hit them was identified as 25-year-old Arturo Munoz, a Bakersfield resident. He had been driving under the influence at the time of the crash and was taken into custody at the scene. Authorities reported that Munoz has 3 prior DUI convictions over the past 6 years. He was booked into the Kern County Jail and faces several charges, including homicide.
The families of Horencia Garcia de Haro and Vanessa Lasarit have created fundraisers to help with burial costs. Garcia de Haro leaves behind two daughters and Lasarit has a 15-year-old son.
Our team here at Accident News Now is shocked and devastated by the news of this accident that could have so easily been avoided. Our hearts go out to the families of the two women who were killed, especially the three children who no longer have mothers because of this senseless act. Our team of legal professionals is ready to help in any way we can. We want to be certain those affected know their rights and that those rights are protected during this difficult time. Finally, we want to see justice following this traumatic collision in Bakersfield.
