A devastating collision in Anaheim, California, has claimed the lives of a young pregnant woman and her unborn child, following a suspected drunk driving incident over the weekend. The tragic event occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, leaving a family shattered and a community in mourning.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Bianca Esquivel, aged 24 and expecting her second child, was killed instantly when another vehicle allegedly ran a red light and struck her car at high speed. The crash took place at the intersection of North Anaheim Boulevard and the SR-91 freeway at approximately 12:04 am on Sunday, according to statements released by the Anaheim Police Department.
Suspect Arrested at the Scene
The alleged driver responsible for the collision has been identified as Daniel Ramos, also 24 years old and from Riverside. Ramos was arrested at the scene on suspicion of felony driving under the influence and vehicular manslaughter. Police reports indicate that he exhibited clear signs of impairment at the time of the incident.
Investigators believe that Ramos was operating a Lexus Sedan which failed to stop at a red traffic signal before crashing into the Toyota vehicle carrying Esquivel and her boyfriend, Oscar. Ramos is currently being held at the Anaheim Detention Facility, although formal charges have not yet been filed. Authorities have suggested that additional counts may be pursued due to the victim's pregnancy.
A Life Cut Short
Bianca Esquivel had been enjoying a simple evening out with her partner Oscar, visiting a popular In-N-Out burger restaurant to satisfy a pregnancy craving before heading back to their home in the city. Oscar, who survived the crash with non-life-threatening injuries, recounted the horrifying moments leading up to the impact.
"We were laughing on the way back, we were just smiling," Oscar told local news outlet ABC7. "It was so fast. She screamed as another car seemed to appear out of nowhere before smashing into us."
He described Esquivel as his best friend and expressed the couple's excitement about welcoming their second child. "We were already planning stuff, buying clothes," he added, highlighting the future that has been tragically stolen from them.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
First responders arrived at the scene to find Esquivel trapped inside the severely damaged Toyota. Despite efforts by medical personnel to save her life, both she and her unborn baby were pronounced dead at the location. Oscar was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, along with two passengers from Ramos' vehicle who also sustained injuries.
Photographs from the crash site reveal the extensive damage to the vehicles involved, underscoring the violent nature of the collision. In his arrest mugshot, Ramos appeared visibly dazed, further supporting the police assessment of impairment.
Family and Community Impact
Esquivel leaves behind a four-year-old son and her grieving partner Oscar. Her family has established a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial support for Oscar and the young child as they navigate this profound loss.
The fundraising page paints a picture of a vibrant and ambitious young woman, describing Bianca as "a devoted mother, a beloved sister and daughter, and a caring girlfriend." It also notes that she was preparing to return to education to pursue a degree in accounting, with her whole life ahead of her.
Ongoing Investigation
The Anaheim Police Department's traffic investigators continue to examine the precise circumstances surrounding this fatal collision. Authorities have appealed to the public for any additional information, urging potential witnesses or individuals with relevant details to come forward.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of driving under the influence, particularly when innocent lives, including those of an expectant mother and her unborn child, are needlessly lost on the roads.
