A Mexican national who authorities say was in the U.S. illegally and had been deported multiple times was driving on a revoked license when he crashed into another vehicle last week, allegedly causing the death of a 6-year-old North Carolina girl.
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Jaime Santiago Corona was behind the wheel of a Dodge Ram pickup on July 3 when he allegedly ran a stop sign in Pitt County and hit an SUV driven by 35-year-old Kelli Toler, who was traveling with her two children.
Toler and her 4-year-old child were taken to ECU Health Greenville after suffering serious injuries, officials said.
Her 6-year-old daughter, Calli Toler, was declared dead at the scene of the crash.
An online fundraiser created for the Toler family said the mother and children were headed to lunch before a planned trip to a swimming pool when the collision occurred.
“This monster caused a car crash that killed a 6-year-old girl and injured a mother and a 4-year-old,” said Department of Homeland Security (DHS) acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis.
“This tragedy was 100% preventable. Our prayers are with Calli Toler and her family.”
Corona faces charges including misdemeanor death by vehicle, failure to stop at a stop sign, careless and reckless driving, and driving while his license was revoked.
He illegally reentered the US three times, which is a felony, DHS said.
Corona also has a history of driving under the influence.
A detainer hold has been issued by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Pitt County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News that it will cooperate with ICE.
