The family of a much-loved mother-of-four has been left heartbroken after she was killed by a speeding motorist while on her way to her job in California.
A Deadly Chain Reaction on the Morning Commute
Laura Teniz, aged 57, was fatally struck by a vehicle on January 14 in San Bernardino as she travelled to the Denny's restaurant where she worked as a manager. According to reports from KTLA, the speeding driver also died in the violent four-car collision, which left another person injured after sparking a chain reaction that saw multiple vehicles engulfed in flames.
The tragic sequence of events began when San Bernardino police officers responded to a call for a welfare check. There were reports of a man slumped over the steering wheel of a Volvo sedan at an ARCO petrol station. As officials approached the vehicle, the driver suddenly sped away, reaching speeds of nearly 90 mph.
Officers pursued the Volvo but were unable to intercept it before the catastrophic crash at the intersection of Highland and De la Rosa Avenues. The fleeing car slammed into a Toyota that was stationary at a red light. The impact instantly caused both cars to burst into flames. They then slid into the intersection, colliding with two other vehicles.
A Family's Devastating Loss
Firefighters who arrived at the scene discovered Teniz and the unidentified Volvo driver dead. A third driver sustained minor injuries, while a fourth emerged unharmed. Teniz, a dedicated manager, was minutes from her workplace when the collision occurred.
Her family has described her as a 'hardworking and compassionate woman' in a GoFundMe campaign launched to support her four children. 'She was their rock, their biggest supporter, and the heart of our family,' wrote Teniz's sister, Patricia Recinos, who started the fundraiser.
'Laura worked tirelessly to provide for them and always put their needs before her own. This tragedy happened in San Bernardino, just minutes from her workplace, and it was caused by a reckless driver whose actions have forever changed our lives,' the statement continued. The fundraiser had gathered nearly $10,000 at the time of reporting.
An Ongoing Investigation and a Community Vigil
Speaking to KTLA, Recinos shared poignant memories of her sister's dedication as a mother. 'She loved her kids. She always made sure they had everything,' she said. 'It's the most painful grieving. And the way it happened to her, it's even worse.' The family's grief is compounded as Teniz's remains have not yet been released by authorities.
A community vigil is scheduled to be held at the crash site on January 18 to honour the mother's memory. Meanwhile, officials continue to investigate the circumstances of the tragedy. The results of a toxicology report on the deceased driver are still pending.
The San Bernardino Police Department has been contacted for further comment regarding the pursuit and the ongoing investigation.
