RIALTO, CA (August 3, 2022) – Three people are dead, including a woman and child identified as Ashley Gilroy and Marlee Maldonado, and several injured after a massive multi-car crash in Rialto. The accident involved eight vehicles at an intersection, according to KTLA 5 News.
The accident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Valley Boulevard when a speeding Jeep Cherokee crashed into the rear of two other vehicles. Those vehicles ended up colliding with multiple vehicles as a result, with at least two cars catching fire.
The driver of the Jeep died as a result of the crash, and was believed to be traveling up to speeds of 80-100 mph.
A woman working in a nearby restaurant said that she and other workers and patrons believed there was an explosion or earthquake. She said that one of the patrons in the restaurant was a former law enforcement officer and went out to try to rescue a woman and a little girl, but they tragically died.
The woman and child were identified as Ashley Gilroy, 33, and Marlee Maldonado, 8 years old. The two ladies were in a Kia at the time of the crash accompanied by a dog, who was also sadly killed in the crash.
Rialto Police Captain Anthony Vega said, “The father is going through the worst time of his life. The husband, the father has lost everything that was important to him in that car.”
Aerial footage shows the magnitude of the crash and the number of vehicles involved–some of which are unrecognizable due to the severity of the damage.
As police were inspecting the vehicles, they found several beer containers in one of them, leading them to believe that alcohol was a factor in this crash.
Liability In Rialto DUI Car Accidents
It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, “(a) It is unlawful for a person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage to drive a vehicle. (b) It is unlawful for a person who has 0.08 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a vehicle.” Even small amounts of alcohol can substantially impair drivers in the following ways:
- Delayed reaction times
- Loss of muscle control
- Impaired judgment
- Lowered alertness
The family of any victim that has been injured or killed in a collision with a drunk driver may have legal recourse through a bodily injury or wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating Ashley Gilroy and Marlee Maldonado’s DUI Car Accident
We at Accident News Now extend our deepest condolences to the family of Ashley Gilroy and Marlee Maldonado. Any person that may have information about what happened should reach out to the police. A thorough investigation must be conducted for the sake of all who have lost so much.
Do you need more information about an accident that took place in Rialto? There are a number of laws designed to protect your rights. Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. Whether you just have legal questions or need more information about an accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (844) 966-0965.