Local Santa Maria Business Helping After Tragic Traffic Incident

SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) - A family-owned Santa Maria business is helping to raise funds for the family of a little girl who lost her life last weekend.

On Friday the 13th just before 3:00 in the afternoon, one-year-old Leilani Diaz Vazquez was being pushed in a stroller by her 20-year-old mother at the intersection of north Broadway and Fesler in Santa Maria.

At the same time, an 18-year-old Santa Maria resident in a car was making a right turn onto Broadway.

Witnesses say the signal turned green for traffic and displayed the “walk” emblem simultaneously, and the mother and daughter were struck by the turning vehicle as they entered the crosswalk.

Management of Family Motors, the business occupying that corner, say police response was immediate.

The mother and daughter were rushed to the hospital, the mother having suffered multiple broken bones.

One-year-old Leilani Diaz Vazquez died at the hospital.

The community has built a memorial display at the intersection, with posters, flowers, candles, stuffed animals, and even food items.

The management team at Family Motors of Santa Maria says the family has been out at the intersection accepting street donations.

They now have a donation box on display in their lobby, saying donations can be dropped off any time during business hours.

A GoFundMe is also active, and can be reached through this link.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

The post Local Santa Maria Business Helping After Tragic Traffic Incident appeared first on News Channel 3-12.