How the deaths of five young Santaneros have left an entire city grieving, shocked, and starting a tough conversation on responsibility.
🕊️
The Santanero sends its deepest condolences to the victims' families and we're sharing the following vetted links and kermes for readers to further help these families during this time. Click here to see how to help.
MORNING SUNWOOD N.H. — First a sonic boom, then sirens.
A violent car crash late Saturday night has left five young Santa Ana residents dead and left a sixth critically injured — a tragedy that has shaken families, classmates, and the Santanero community.
Santa Ana Police say six people, all residents of Santa Ana, were packed into a five-passenger Lexus sedan when it crashed around 11:22 p.m. near the intersection of Segerstrom Avenue and Townsend Street. Investigators believe speed was a factor in the collision, while the possible involvement of drugs or alcohol remains under investigation.
Victims who passed away following Saturday's car crash. (Images provided via GoFundMe)
The Orange County Coroner’s Office identified four of the deceased earlier this week:
Jacqueline “Jackie” Torres Zarate, 16
Natalia “Natalie” Vidal Zarate, 17
Emanuel “Manny” Gonzalez Martinez, 18
Aurelia “Arley” Robles, 20
All had attended schools at Santa Ana Unified.
A fifth victim, Cynthia Torres, 13 years old, was declared brain dead at a local hospital Tuesday after an EEG showed no brain activity. She passed away Wednesday, according to updates shared on her family’s GoFundMe page.
Arlene Robles, 15, the sixth passenger, sole survivor and younger sister of Arley, remains hospitalized. She is recovering from surgery, according to local reports.
Santa Ana Unified Chief Communications Officer Fermin Leal confirmed to The Santanero that Manny and Natalie were seniors and Jackie was a sophomore. The three attended Valley High School. Arley was a class of 2023 alumna of Chavez High School.
Cynthia's school attendance has not been confirmed.
SAUSD added that grief counseling resources would be available for students and staff processing the tragedy.
At the growing memorial site near the crash scene in the Morning Sunwood neighborhood, friends said that Manuel, also known as Manny, was driving that night. Balloons, candles, handwritten notes, and flowers now line the median where lives changed in an instant.
Mourners at the makeshift memorial after the accident. Added is a photo from Santa Ana Police showing the damage of the car after the accident. (Daniel Diaz/The Santanero and SAPD)
Local leaders and principals respond
The following are statement issued by local leaders, the City, school district, and principals regarding the tragedy:
Santa Ana Unified School District
"The Santa Ana Unified School District is heartbroken to share that students from Valley High School and Carr Intermediate School were involved this weekend in a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of four individuals and left two others injured.
Our entire SAUSD community is devastated by this unimaginable loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and our thoughts remain with the two individuals who are recovering.
We are working closely with local law enforcement as they continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. In the meantime, our focus remains on supporting the students, staff, and families affected by this tragedy.
Crisis counselors and mental health professionals will be made available at both Valley High School and Carr Intermediate School to support anyone in need. Additional resources will be provided districtwide as necessary in the coming days.
We are also in contact with the families of all the students involved to offer support and assistance during this incredibly difficult time.
Out of respect for the families, we ask that their privacy be honored as they grieve and process this tragedy. We will share additional information as it becomes available and appropriate."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
The City of Santa Ana
"The City of Santa Ana extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the four young individuals whose lives were tragically lost in a car crash over the weekend.
Our thoughts are also with the passenger who remains in critical condition.
This is an incredibly difficult time for our Santa Ana community, and we stand together in grief, honoring the memory of these young people whose bright futures were cut short."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
Santa Ana Police Department
"It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we extend our sincerest condolences to the students, and loved ones of the six young individuals tragically impacted by the car accident over the weekend.
(Outdated information redacted) ...
[We] will continue to thoroughly investigate this incident. we appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this difficult time."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
Valerie Amezcua, Mayor of Santa Ana
"The Santa Ana City Council, our City of Santa Ana family, and the entire Santa Ana community is mourning the tragic loss of these young lives.
No parent should have to face the grief of losing a child, at any age. We must all do whatever we can to support the victims’ families and loved ones.
SAUSD has counselors available, and Santa Ana Police Department has referred families to Waymakers for support. My prayers go out to the victims’ families."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
Phil Bacerra, Ward 4 Councilmember
"As the representative of Ward 4 where this tragic accident occurred, I want my constituents, residents, and the families of the victims to know that we as a community are here to support you in any way that we can.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this terrible crash."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
Katie Berger, Valley High School Principal
"To the Valley High School Community, [i]t is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of a tragic car accident involving several of our students. We are devastated to confirm that three of our Valley High School students lost their lives, and one student is currently hospitalized.
Our hearts are broken, and we join together in deep grief and mourning as a school community.We understand that this news is incredibly difficult for students, staff, and families. When we return to school on Monday, April 14, we will be mobilizing all available resources to support our community through this tragedy.
Our response will include: Classroom support in classes that have been directly impacted. The Counseling Center will be open beginning at 8:30 a.m. for any students who need a safe space to process, talk, or simply be surrounded by support.
The Wellness Center will also be open to families seeking resources, guidance, or support for their students. During this painful time, we want every student and family to know that they are not alone. We are here for you — as educators, counselors, friends, and a united school community.
Please keep the families and friends of these students in your thoughts. We will share more information in the coming days about ways our community can come together to honor and remember those we have lost.
If you or your family need support before we return to school on Monday, please reach out to Ms. Elizabeth Maciel from our district FACE department at (657) 253-0802."
— Posted Thursday, April. 10
Benjamin Vazquez, Ward 2 Councilmember & Valley High School Teacher
"We at Valley HS and the city are heartbroken of the loss of these beautiful children. We will miss their smiles, creativity and love in our community.
We will come together and support the families and friends. You have our love and condolences, we are with you. Estamos con ustedes."
— Issued Tuesday, April. 8
Reaction sparks debate on parenting and who to blame
Relatives of the victims took to social media to honor their loved ones and raise funds to help with funeral expenses. They were met with empathy, apathy, agreement, indifference, love and support, and heartlessness.
Almost immediately after the accident was made aware online, neighbors were suspecting drugs, alcohol, nitrous oxide ("noz"), or another substance as the reason that resulted in the crash.
Santa Ana Police have not concluded their investigation, but did announce that speeding was a significant factor. In addition, SAPD says they are not ruling out other possible catalysts that led to the accident and are awaiting for toxicology results.
“They weren’t drunk or on drugs,” Ignacio Robles, father of Arley and Arlene, told KABC earlier this week. “It was an accident, and that was it.”
That didn't stop residents from saying otherwise, prompting one family member to delete the posts.
Facebook and TikTok users alike blamed the victims’ parents, suggesting that a lack of parenting was the sole cause of the accident. One user pointed out that sometimes parents think they know their kids — but don’t always know their hidden side.
Others blamed the City of Santa Ana for not addressing its wide, curved roads, which they say allow speeding to persist.
“I think this accident will teach parents to be more strict with their kids,” said a resident at the memorial. “That parents should be their children's parent and not their friend. I just hope these kids learn that it’s ok to walk the other way when being peer-pressured by the wrong crowd."
Those offering empathy also gave a rebuttal.
"Not all parents give that chance to the[ir] kids to vent or talk about feelings," replied a TikTok user. "Some parents tell their kids to suck it up and move along. May they rest in peace ❤️🕊️."
Addressing racing and persistent gang cultures
Beyond the blame, part of the conversation shifted to the street racing culture embedded within the young Latino community.
“Everyone just wants to be Edgars[,] drift[,] and work construction nowadays smh,” said a TikTok user.
Speed and drifting culture is popular among Gen Z and Alpha on social media, especially in Latino-dense communities such as Santa Ana where takeover have occurred.
Adding on, teens present in takeovers often drink or smoke, and sometimes do a mix of both known as "crossfading."
"I bet they found a balloon or buzzball next to them," said a TikTok user, whose comment is gone due to the original post being deleted.
Late last year, a takeover on Interstate 5 in Anaheim, left one dead and two injured, which resulted in scores of likes and reposts on social media.
Locally, Santa Ana has erected speed bumps and roundabouts on specific streets to address speeding, however, addressing drift takeovers has been limited to residents notifying police.
Recently, legislation changed allowing local police departments to arrest drivers involved in takeovers, impound their car, suspend licenses, jail or fine them, and also arrest those cheering them on.
But, street racing can be initiated with two drivers who feel their car is faster and better than the other. These can occur spontaneously at a red light, while driving, or be planned in advance due to online beef.
"I don't think young people will be phased by this," said a Bella Vista neighbor, mother of three. "Parents have to teach their children to be responsible drivers, that driver licenses are privileges, not a right... that drifting or racing is toxic and not a ‘culture’."
Pushing the point further, an Instagram user commented how deeply rooted gang culture remains in Santa Ana — arguing that children raised around gangs often grow up knowing little else, a never-ending cycle that has plagued the city for decades.
"[R]aising [yo]ur children in Santa Ana can either teach them about how cool it is to be ina gang or how cool it is to be free," said the Instagram user.
How accident-prone is Segerstrom Ave?
Collision data showing the number of collisions on Segerstrom from Bear to Fairview in 2024. Data from Santa Ana Police Traffic Records/PRA-838.
The Santanero filed a public records request with the City of Santa Ana to inquire about accident rates on Segerstrom Avenue, from Bear Street to Fairview Street.
In 2024, of the 4,016 collisions reported citywide, six occurred along this stretch of Segerstrom — four of which resulted in injuries. No deaths were recorded along this area last year.
Warner Avenue, from Raitt Street to Pacific Avenue, is another accident hotspot according to neighbors. Collision data regarding this section of Warner is forthcoming.
Now, the community grieves — not just five lives lost, but the ripple effect touching classrooms, families, and an entire city trying to make sense of the unimaginable.
"This could be the chance for us like as a city, as a community, to come together and learn from this, and just learn how fragile life really is you know?" said a mourner Tuesday.
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MORNING SUNWOOD N.H. — First a sonic boom, then sirens.
A violent car crash late Saturday night has left five young Santa Ana residents dead and left a sixth critically injured — a tragedy that has shaken families, classmates, and the Santanero community.
Santa Ana Police say six people, all residents of Santa Ana, were packed into a five-passenger Lexus sedan when it crashed around 11:22 p.m. near the intersection of Segerstrom Avenue and Townsend Street. Investigators believe speed was a factor in the collision, while the possible involvement of drugs or alcohol remains under investigation.
The Orange County Coroner’s Office identified four of the deceased earlier this week:
All had attended schools at Santa Ana Unified.
A fifth victim, Cynthia Torres, 13 years old, was declared brain dead at a local hospital Tuesday after an EEG showed no brain activity. She passed away Wednesday, according to updates shared on her family’s GoFundMe page.
Arlene Robles, 15, the sixth passenger, sole survivor and younger sister of Arley, remains hospitalized. She is recovering from surgery, according to local reports.
Santa Ana Unified Chief Communications Officer Fermin Leal confirmed to The Santanero that Manny and Natalie were seniors and Jackie was a sophomore. The three attended Valley High School. Arley was a class of 2023 alumna of Chavez High School.
Cynthia's school attendance has not been confirmed.
SAUSD added that grief counseling resources would be available for students and staff processing the tragedy.
At the growing memorial site near the crash scene in the Morning Sunwood neighborhood, friends said that Manuel, also known as Manny, was driving that night. Balloons, candles, handwritten notes, and flowers now line the median where lives changed in an instant.
Mourners at the makeshift memorial after the accident. Added is a photo from Santa Ana Police showing the damage of the car after the accident. (Daniel Diaz/The Santanero and SAPD)
Local leaders and principals respond
The following are statement issued by local leaders, the City, school district, and principals regarding the tragedy:
Santa Ana Unified School District
"The Santa Ana Unified School District is heartbroken to share that students from Valley High School and Carr Intermediate School were involved this weekend in a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of four individuals and left two others injured.
Our entire SAUSD community is devastated by this unimaginable loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, and our thoughts remain with the two individuals who are recovering.
We are working closely with local law enforcement as they continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. In the meantime, our focus remains on supporting the students, staff, and families affected by this tragedy.
Crisis counselors and mental health professionals will be made available at both Valley High School and Carr Intermediate School to support anyone in need. Additional resources will be provided districtwide as necessary in the coming days.
We are also in contact with the families of all the students involved to offer support and assistance during this incredibly difficult time.
Out of respect for the families, we ask that their privacy be honored as they grieve and process this tragedy. We will share additional information as it becomes available and appropriate."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
The City of Santa Ana
"The City of Santa Ana extends its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the four young individuals whose lives were tragically lost in a car crash over the weekend.
Our thoughts are also with the passenger who remains in critical condition.
This is an incredibly difficult time for our Santa Ana community, and we stand together in grief, honoring the memory of these young people whose bright futures were cut short."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
Santa Ana Police Department
"It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we extend our sincerest condolences to the students, and loved ones of the six young individuals tragically impacted by the car accident over the weekend.
(Outdated information redacted) ...
[We] will continue to thoroughly investigate this incident. we appreciate everyone's patience and understanding during this difficult time."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
Valerie Amezcua, Mayor of Santa Ana
"The Santa Ana City Council, our City of Santa Ana family, and the entire Santa Ana community is mourning the tragic loss of these young lives.
No parent should have to face the grief of losing a child, at any age. We must all do whatever we can to support the victims’ families and loved ones.
SAUSD has counselors available, and Santa Ana Police Department has referred families to Waymakers for support. My prayers go out to the victims’ families."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
Phil Bacerra, Ward 4 Councilmember
"As the representative of Ward 4 where this tragic accident occurred, I want my constituents, residents, and the families of the victims to know that we as a community are here to support you in any way that we can.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by this terrible crash."
— Posted Tuesday, April. 8
Katie Berger, Valley High School Principal
"To the Valley High School Community, [i]t is with profound sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of a tragic car accident involving several of our students. We are devastated to confirm that three of our Valley High School students lost their lives, and one student is currently hospitalized.
Our hearts are broken, and we join together in deep grief and mourning as a school community.We understand that this news is incredibly difficult for students, staff, and families. When we return to school on Monday, April 14, we will be mobilizing all available resources to support our community through this tragedy.
Our response will include: Classroom support in classes that have been directly impacted. The Counseling Center will be open beginning at 8:30 a.m. for any students who need a safe space to process, talk, or simply be surrounded by support.
The Wellness Center will also be open to families seeking resources, guidance, or support for their students. During this painful time, we want every student and family to know that they are not alone. We are here for you — as educators, counselors, friends, and a united school community.
Please keep the families and friends of these students in your thoughts. We will share more information in the coming days about ways our community can come together to honor and remember those we have lost.
If you or your family need support before we return to school on Monday, please reach out to Ms. Elizabeth Maciel from our district FACE department at (657) 253-0802."
— Posted Thursday, April. 10
Benjamin Vazquez, Ward 2 Councilmember & Valley High School Teacher
"We at Valley HS and the city are heartbroken of the loss of these beautiful children. We will miss their smiles, creativity and love in our community.
We will come together and support the families and friends. You have our love and condolences, we are with you. Estamos con ustedes."
— Issued Tuesday, April. 8
Reaction sparks debate on parenting and who to blame
Relatives of the victims took to social media to honor their loved ones and raise funds to help with funeral expenses. They were met with empathy, apathy, agreement, indifference, love and support, and heartlessness.
Almost immediately after the accident was made aware online, neighbors were suspecting drugs, alcohol, nitrous oxide ("noz"), or another substance as the reason that resulted in the crash.
Santa Ana Police have not concluded their investigation, but did announce that speeding was a significant factor. In addition, SAPD says they are not ruling out other possible catalysts that led to the accident and are awaiting for toxicology results.
“They weren’t drunk or on drugs,” Ignacio Robles, father of Arley and Arlene, told KABC earlier this week. “It was an accident, and that was it.”
That didn't stop residents from saying otherwise, prompting one family member to delete the posts.
Facebook and TikTok users alike blamed the victims’ parents, suggesting that a lack of parenting was the sole cause of the accident. One user pointed out that sometimes parents think they know their kids — but don’t always know their hidden side.
Others blamed the City of Santa Ana for not addressing its wide, curved roads, which they say allow speeding to persist.
“I think this accident will teach parents to be more strict with their kids,” said a resident at the memorial. “That parents should be their children's parent and not their friend. I just hope these kids learn that it’s ok to walk the other way when being peer-pressured by the wrong crowd."
Those offering empathy also gave a rebuttal.
"Not all parents give that chance to the[ir] kids to vent or talk about feelings," replied a TikTok user. "Some parents tell their kids to suck it up and move along. May they rest in peace ❤️🕊️."
Addressing racing and persistent gang cultures
Beyond the blame, part of the conversation shifted to the street racing culture embedded within the young Latino community.
“Everyone just wants to be Edgars[,] drift[,] and work construction nowadays smh,” said a TikTok user.
Speed and drifting culture is popular among Gen Z and Alpha on social media, especially in Latino-dense communities such as Santa Ana where takeover have occurred.
Adding on, teens present in takeovers often drink or smoke, and sometimes do a mix of both known as "crossfading."
"I bet they found a balloon or buzzball next to them," said a TikTok user, whose comment is gone due to the original post being deleted.
Late last year, a takeover on Interstate 5 in Anaheim, left one dead and two injured, which resulted in scores of likes and reposts on social media.
Locally, Santa Ana has erected speed bumps and roundabouts on specific streets to address speeding, however, addressing drift takeovers has been limited to residents notifying police.
Recently, legislation changed allowing local police departments to arrest drivers involved in takeovers, impound their car, suspend licenses, jail or fine them, and also arrest those cheering them on.
But, street racing can be initiated with two drivers who feel their car is faster and better than the other. These can occur spontaneously at a red light, while driving, or be planned in advance due to online beef.
"I don't think young people will be phased by this," said a Bella Vista neighbor, mother of three. "Parents have to teach their children to be responsible drivers, that driver licenses are privileges, not a right... that drifting or racing is toxic and not a ‘culture’."
Pushing the point further, an Instagram user commented how deeply rooted gang culture remains in Santa Ana — arguing that children raised around gangs often grow up knowing little else, a never-ending cycle that has plagued the city for decades.
"[R]aising [yo]ur children in Santa Ana can either teach them about how cool it is to be ina gang or how cool it is to be free," said the Instagram user.
How accident-prone is Segerstrom Ave?
The Santanero filed a public records request with the City of Santa Ana to inquire about accident rates on Segerstrom Avenue, from Bear Street to Fairview Street.
In 2024, of the 4,016 collisions reported citywide, six occurred along this stretch of Segerstrom — four of which resulted in injuries. No deaths were recorded along this area last year.
Warner Avenue, from Raitt Street to Pacific Avenue, is another accident hotspot according to neighbors. Collision data regarding this section of Warner is forthcoming.
Now, the community grieves — not just five lives lost, but the ripple effect touching classrooms, families, and an entire city trying to make sense of the unimaginable.
"This could be the chance for us like as a city, as a community, to come together and learn from this, and just learn how fragile life really is you know?" said a mourner Tuesday.
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