An 81-year-old California woman lost both of her legs after authorities say an impaired driver crashed into the outdoor dining area of a restaurant where she was having lunch.
Cristina Vargas was seated at a sidewalk table outside Los Cinco Puntos in Los Angeles’ Boyle Heights neighborhood with her daughter, Gabriela Vargas, and a male friend when an SUV slammed into the group at about 3:30 p.m. on July 7.
Surveillance video obtained by KTLA captured the SUV swerving onto the sidewalk before barreling into the restaurant’s outdoor seating area.
Moments before impact, the sound of screeching tires could be heard, followed by the vehicle striking the diners and sending people, tables and other objects flying.
Cristina Vargas underwent three surgeries before both of her legs were amputated. (GoFundMe)
“I remember I just heard screeching and I was lifting up my head and I just saw headlights and a bumper and I heard a big boom,” Gabriela told KTLA. “The next thing I knew, I was airborne.”
Cristina’s lower body became trapped beneath the SUV, while Gabriela sustained a head injury and a deep cut to her knee. Both women, along with their male friend, were taken to a hospital for treatment.
Gabriela and the friend have since recovered, but Cristina’s injuries were far more severe, leaving her facing an extended and difficult recovery.
Cristina underwent three surgeries and later had both of her legs amputated. She said she is thankful to be alive and has maintained a positive mindset.
She has been undergoing physical therapy at a rehabilitation center and will soon be allowed to go back home.
Cristina Vargas was enjoying lunch at a sidewalk table with her daughter, Gabriela Vargas, and their male friend when an SUV plowed into them on July 7. (GoFundMe)
Cristina, a widowed mother of two, said she is looking forward to being surrounded by her family and friends.
“My goal is to give her the best quality of care from here on out,” Gabriela said of her mother.
A police report alleges that the driver was impaired at the time of the crash. The unidentified woman was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, according to KTLA.
A GoFundMe created by a friend for the Vargas family has raised more than $30,000 as of Sunday night. The fundraiser said the family is facing massive medical bills, ongoing rehabilitation and daily living expenses.
“Cristina will need significant support to adapt to her new disability, including making their home accessible and covering the costs of specialized care. The road ahead is long and challenging, but with your help, they can focus on healing rather than the overwhelming financial stress,” the fundraiser reads.
Cristina Vargas said she is thankful to be alive and has maintained a positive mindset. (GoFundMe)
The fundraiser described Cristina as a “vibrant and social person with a true lust for life.”
“She loved to dance and was a regular at events at the senior center, bringing joy and energy wherever she went,” the GoFundMe reads. “Her vivacious spirit and love for connecting with others made her a beloved member of the community. This sudden change is especially heartbreaking for someone who has always embraced life so fully and actively.”
In an Aug. 17 update, Gabriela thanked supporters and said the recovery was progressing slowly.
“Thank you everybody for your love and support. We greatly appreciate it. It’s a slow recovery but day by day we’re getting through it. My mom’s spirits remain hopeful as do mine. Recovery is very painful but she’s giving it her all,” Gabriela said.
