A Fresno family crash turned a graduation trip into heartbreak when five relatives died in a fiery collision.
A Fresno area family traveling to Arizona for a graduation celebration was killed in a fiery crash in San Bernardino County, California, leaving relatives mourning five loved ones, including 4 year old twin girls.
The crash happened shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday, May 22, on State Route 62 near Cadiz Road in the remote community of Freda, east of Joshua Tree National Park. Authorities said six people died in the crash, including the family of five and the driver of the other vehicle.
The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office identified the adult victims as Sergio Leon, 38, of Fresno, Herminia Hernandez, 39, of Fresno, and Antonio Leon, 36, of Sanger. The other driver was identified as Holly Chafey, 60, of Desert Hot Springs, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
Family Was Headed to a Graduation in Arizona
Relatives said the family was traveling to a graduation celebration in Arizona when the crash happened.
A family member who had already arrived at the celebration became worried after Sergio, Antonio, Herminia, Nyah, and Naomi did not show up, according to ABC7. The family later learned the crash may have involved their loved ones. ABC7 News
People reported that the family’s vehicle was T-boned and burst into flames. The California Highway Patrol is investigating and has not released a final public finding on the cause. People
For relatives, the hardest detail is how ordinary the trip was supposed to be. They were not headed into danger. They were going to celebrate a milestone.
Twin Girls Were Days From Their Own Pre K Graduation
The two youngest victims were Sergio and Herminia’s twin daughters, Nyah and Naomi Leon.
The girls were just 4 years old and were set to graduate from Pre K days after the crash, according to family members cited by People.
Relatives described the twins as joyful children who brought light, laughter, and innocence into the family.
Their deaths have made the tragedy even more painful for loved ones, who were preparing to celebrate two graduations in the same week.
Relatives Remember a Loving Family
Family members described Sergio and Antonio Leon as close brothers who shared a playful football rivalry.
Sergio was remembered as hardworking and generous. Antonio was described as loyal, loving, and deeply devoted to his family.
Herminia Hernandez was remembered for her warmth, compassion, and motherly love.
A GoFundMe created by family member Cesar Sanchez says the money will help cover funeral and memorial expenses. People reported that the fundraiser had raised nearly $30,000 by Wednesday.
Crash Killed the Other Driver Too
The driver of the other vehicle also died at the scene. The coroner identified her as Holly Chafey, 60, of Desert Hot Springs.
Authorities have not released a final report explaining what led to the collision.
Investigators are expected to review the vehicles, roadway conditions, witness statements, and any available evidence from the scene.
Because the crash happened on a rural desert highway, officials may also look at visibility, speed, lane movement, and the timing of the impact.
A Family Celebration Turns Into Mourning
The crash has spread widely because of the painful contrast at the heart of the story.
A family left home to celebrate a graduation. By the end of the morning, five of them were gone.
Relatives are now preparing to lay Sergio, Herminia, Antonio, Nyah, and Naomi to rest together.
Their family says they will remember them for love, laughter, loyalty, and the joy they brought to everyone around them. What was supposed to be a proud family trip is now a loss that relatives will carry for the rest of their lives.