Memorial Honors Lives Lost in Tragic Anaheim Crash
Teen and Great-Grandfather Killed in Anaheim Crash
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Two victims have been identified in a tragic multi-vehicle collision in Anaheim that occurred early Tuesday morning. Family and friends commemorated the lives of 14-year-old Andrew Joseph Sanchez and 70-year-old Alberto Viveros Piedra during a candlelight vigil.
The crash took place around 12:45 a.m. near the intersection of Anaheim Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue. According to authorities, a silver Infiniti sedan was observed driving erratically prior to the accident. An officer attempted to pursue the vehicle but was unable to engage before the driver switched off the headlights and accelerated away.
Authorities reported that moments later, the Infiniti ran a red light at Lincoln Avenue, colliding with three other vehicles, including a red Toyota Camry driven by Viveros Piedra. Family members stated he was returning home from work when the incident occurred.
Andrew Sanchez, a freshman at Anaheim High School, was occupying the front passenger seat of the Infiniti at the time of the crash and also succumbed to injuries at the scene.
The driver of the Infiniti is currently hospitalized in critical condition, alongside two teenage girls who were in the back seat at the time of the collision.
At Tuesday’s vigil, attendees lit candles, shared photographs, and recounted fond memories of both victims.
Sgt. Matt Sutter of the Anaheim Police Department emphasized that officers were not in active pursuit at the time of the crash, noting, "The officer didn’t even get a chance to pull it over. The driver turned off the lights and sped away."
Investigators are continuing to gather information about the driver of the Infiniti. As of now, the reasons behind the driver’s flight from police and whether substances such as drugs or alcohol were involved remain unclear. Police have indicated that potential charges could follow, pending the outcome of their ongoing investigation.
