Nicole Check launched a GoFundMe to support the grieving family of Vanessa Wheyland after a suspected DUI hit-and-run killed the California mother of three.
Check, who organized the fundraiser, identified Wheyland as a devoted wife and mother of three young children who was struck while out on what friends described as a family walk. The 26-year-old Escondido man arrested in the crash, Fernando Saldana, allegedly fled the scene before police tracked him down using evidence left behind, tips from community members and automated license plate readers.
Wheyland was found in the roadway with major injuries near Redwood Avenue and Carlsbad Boulevard, close to Tamarack Beach in Carlsbad, just before 8 p.m. Tuesday. She was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead.
Saldana was located at a spot just over a mile from the crash site. His prior DUI conviction allowed prosecutors to escalate the charges significantly. Under California’s “Watson Murder” doctrine, that previous conviction made him eligible for a second-degree murder charge in this case.
He also faces charges of leaving the scene of a collision resulting in injury or death, driving under the influence causing injury or death, and gross vehicular manslaughter. Saldana was booked into the Vista Detention Facility and is scheduled to appear before a judge Friday.
“Last night, Vanessa was tragically struck and killed by a driver, leaving behind her loving husband and three children,” Check wrote in the GoFundMe description.
Wheyland was a proud graduate of San Diego State University and served as CEO of Wheyland Electric, an electrical contracting company serving Carlsbad and the greater San Diego area.
“Vanessa was a devoted wife, an incredible mother, and a cherished friend whose love and presence touched so many people,” Check continued in her fundraising appeal.
The fatal crash has intensified frustration among neighbors in the area, who told NBC 7 they have witnessed multiple crashes along the roadway, including fatal ones, with each loss devastating the tight-knit beach community. One Instagram user reacted to Wheyland’s death by posting: “So sad- CA needs tougher deterrents and stronger laws.”
A memorial has been established for Wheyland at Tamarack Beach, where loved ones plan to gather for a vigil Thursday night.
“Her family was her entire world, and this devastating loss has left everyone who loved her heartbroken,” Check wrote.
The Carlsbad Police Department has not released any information regarding Saldana’s citizenship status.