Hesperia Tragedy
Francisco Valencia-Saucedo, a young man from Barstow, is bravely navigating the aftermath of a tragic incident that changed his life forever. Following a violent head-on collision on Feb. 20 in Hesperia, Francisco's entire family, including his parents Rosa and Pedro, and his older brother Jose, lost their lives. The family had been on their way to Yaamava’ Casino in Highland, a cherished tradition that allowed them to spend quality time together.
The devastating crash, caused by a driver suspected of being under the influence, Pavlo Padilla, occurred when the family exited I-15 onto Mariposa Road due to traffic congestion. According to officials from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Padilla's Chevrolet Suburban crossed over the center divider, leading to the fatal collision.
Despite the tremendous loss and the physical injuries he sustained, including a ruptured spleen, fractured ribs, and kidney lacerations, Francisco remains strong. He is deeply grateful for the support of his cousins, who are assisting him in making funeral arrangements for his family at Sunset Hills Memorial Park and Mortuary.
The Barstow community has rallied around Francisco, organizing a fundraiser, bake sale, and raffle to help cover funeral expenses. The event, scheduled for this Saturday at Oggi’s, will honor the memory of a family known for their strong faith and commitment to each other and their community.
Padilla, who has been arrested on suspicion of DUI, faces three counts of second-degree murder due to prior DUI convictions. If convicted, he could be sentenced to more than 15 years to life in prison. Francisco, in a poignant statement, emphasized the devastating impact of drunk driving, expressing his resolve never to engage in such reckless behavior.
Through his resilience and courage, Francisco serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing our loved ones and the dangers of impaired driving.
Contact us here on the WarmuthLaw website or through our hotline 888-517-9888.
