Terra Bella family mourns 12-year-old killed in suspected DUI crash

A 12-year-old California girl was killed by a suspected drunk driver just nine days before her 13th birthday, her family said.

Janessa Gonzalez of Terra Bella was trying to cross Avenue 95 near Terra Bella Elementary School shortly before 6 p.m. Monday when she was struck by 22-year-old Anthony Chavez-Valencia of Porterville, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Gonzalez was rushed to Sierra View Medical Center, where she died.

Officers believe Chavez-Valencia was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

Janessa was supposed to turn 13 on Sept. 10

Instead, her family is now preparing to say goodbye to a girl they described as bright, funny and full of life.

Her aunt, Jaylenne Juarez, launched a GoFundMe to help the family cover unexpected expenses following the girl’s death.

“Our family experienced a heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure,” Juarez wrote.

Janessa was the second oldest of six children and had a personality her family said could light up a room.

“Janessa was full of life, personality, and so much love,” Juarez wrote.

She loved babies and frequently carried around her dolls, caring for them as though they were her own.

Her family also remembered Janessa as a fighter.

Doctors had told her mother that she would never walk or talk, according to the fundraiser.

“But Janessa didn’t listen. She showed them, she fought harder than anyone could have imagined and did things they said she would never do.”

Now, the family is left with memories of the milestones Janessa fought so hard to reach.

“She should have been getting ready to celebrate her 13th birthday, making memories with her family, and continuing to grow into the beautiful young woman she was meant to become.”

Instead, her loved ones are mourning the loss of a daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter and friend.

“There are so many little things about Janessa that our family will miss, the sound of her voice, her smile, her personality, and simply having her here with us.”

The family is asking for financial help as it deals with the unexpected costs of losing Janessa and tries to focus on grieving.

“No family is ever prepared to say goodbye to a child, especially so suddenly and so young,” Juarez wrote.

Those who cannot donate are being asked to share the fundraiser and keep the family in their prayers.

“Rest peacefully, Janessa. You will forever be loved, forever be missed, and forever be a part of our family. Until we meet again.”

The California Post reached out to the CHP for more details.

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