An eight-year-old girl lost her life in a devastating car accident, allegedly caused by a drunk driver who is an undocumented immigrant. The girl’s mother has expressed her lack of sympathy for the suspect involved in the tragedy.
The heartbreaking incident unfolded on November 30 as the family traveled through San Diego. The driver, reportedly under the influence, veered across the yellow line, colliding with their vehicle.
Jackie Cruz Acencio recounted that her husband, Oscar, along with their three children, were returning home from Thanksgiving celebrations when their lives took a tragic turn.
The crash left Oscar critically injured and claimed the life of their daughter, Arya. Jackie painfully recalled the moment she realized her daughter was gone, describing her as looking as if she were peacefully sleeping amidst the wreckage.
In a poignant interview with Fox News Digital, Jackie shared her disbelief during the initial moments after the accident, stating, “I didn’t see her breathing; she just looked like she was sleeping,” not immediately accepting that Arya was no longer alive.
As she continues to grapple with the loss, Cruz Acencio admits she is still coming to terms with the untimely death of her beloved daughter.
The alleged driver was 25-year-old Bryan Alva-Rodriguez, a Guatemalan citizen.
Eight year old Arya Cruz Acencio was killed after an alleged drunk driver rammed into her family’s car
Mother Jackie Cruz Acencio said she is ‘still processing’ her daughter’s tragic death
The horrifying crash occurred as the family was on their way home from a Thanksgiving celebration in San Diego county
Alva-Rodriguez was charged with murder, vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence.
He reportedly entered the country in February 2018 through Calexico, California. He was charged with two prior DUIs in 2020 and 2021.
An immigration judge ordered him to leave the country in 2023, but he did not, per Fox Digital.
‘I care very deeply for these people that want to have a better life’ said Cruz Acencio.
‘But I have no sympathy for the driver that hit me and my family. I’m angry and he shouldn’t have been here in the first place.’
Alva-Rodriguez’s felony charges could mean several years in prison or even a life sentence. He was arraigned while in the hospital being treated for his own injuries.
‘We didn’t deserve it,’ said Cruz Acencio. ‘Nobody does.’
Father and US Marine Oscar Cruz Acencio was driving the vehicle when it collided with a truck that crossed over the yellow line
While Arya did not survive, Cruz Acencio’s sons Ayden and Atlas did and were treated for serious injuries
Following the tragic accident, her husband had to have his leg amputated above the knee and is being treated at a Navy Hospital in San Diego.
Cruz Acencio said Oscar is still in and out of consciousness as he battles a traumatic brain injury.
She is dealing with injuries of her own. The mom of three was left unable to walk after the a severe foot injury.
Cruz Acencio’s sons Ayden, 5, and Atlas, 4, survived with serious injuries. They were treated at Rady Children’s Hospital, per CBS8.
The drunk driver also allegedly rammed into a nearby Ford truck, which caught fire.
At the time, San Diego Fire said eight victims were transported to local hospitals.
Loved ones started a GoFundMe for the family who were amidst a transition out of the Marine Corps
Cruz Acencio said she has ‘no sympathy’ for the allegedly undocumented immigrant that collided with her family
Loved ones started a GoFundMe for the Cruz Acencio family to help raise money to will cover their medical expenses.
They said the family was amidst a move as Oscar prepared to exit the Marine Corps.
‘This heartbreaking event happened at a time when the family was already in transition,’ read the tribute.
‘As they were preparing to leave the Marine Corps and begin the next chapter of their lives, all their belongings were packed and on the road.
‘Now, with nothing but what they had with them that day, they are facing the unimaginable: recovering from life-altering injuries while grieving the loss of a precious child.’
The Daily Mail contacted San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
