A 12-year-old California girl was killed by a suspected drunk driver just nine days before she would have turned 13.
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 a vehicle driven by Anthony Chavez-Valencia, 22, 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 celebrate her 13th birthday on Sept. 10. Instead, her family is preparing to bury a girl they described as bright, funny and full of life. She was the second oldest of six children.
Her aunt, Jaylenne Juarez, launched a GoFundMe to help cover unexpected expenses following the girl’s death. “Our family experienced a heartbreak that no family should ever have to endure,” Juarez wrote on the fundraiser page.
Doctors had told Janessa’s mother that the girl would never walk or talk. “But Janessa didn’t listen,” Juarez wrote. “She showed them, she fought harder than anyone could have imagined and did things they said she would never do.”
Janessa loved babies and frequently carried around her dolls, caring for them as though they were her own. Her personality, her family said, could light up a room. “Janessa was full of life, personality, and so much love,” Juarez wrote on the GoFundMe.
Now the family is left with memories of 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,” Juarez wrote.
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,” Juarez shared.
The family is asking for financial help as it faces unexpected costs and tries to focus on grieving. Those unable to donate are being asked to share the fundraiser and keep the family in their prayers. “No family is ever prepared to say goodbye to a child, especially so suddenly and so young,” Juarez wrote.
“Rest peacefully, Janessa. You will forever be loved, forever be missed, and forever be a part of our family. Until we meet again,” Juarez concluded.
The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash.